Coping with Traumatic or Unsettling Events

Whenever there’s a national tragedy, whether it’s a hurricane or an act of terrorism, it’s important to remember that kids may be experiencing increased levels of stress or anxiety. Even if they’re not personally affected, exposure to traumatic events through the media or in conversations can affect a child’s emotional well-being.

Every school district has a plan of action to assist a school community when it is dealing with issues of death, dying, threat of safety or any other crisis. These resources can help the school community respond to the needs of students, families and staff at times of crisis, grief or loss in order to help them remain psychologically healthy and to prevent the development of later psychological problems.