Introduction to supporting children after a major incident

About this course

When children experience a traumatic incident in which people are seriously injured or killed, such as a terrorist attack they may respond with a wide range of varying emotions and difficulties. Many children will feel upset for a few weeks afterwards and then become happier again over time. Whereas other children may continue to feel anxious for much longer.

Just like adults, children may have many questions about what happened and why, that can be challenging to answer.

We all need to be aware that it isn’t necessary for a child to have direct experience of being at the scene of the incident to be affected by it. Simply seeing news stories about it or being told about it by someone at school, can be enough to have a response.

Parents, carers and other significant adults have an important role in helping children by providing emotional and practical support. However, it can be difficult if the adult has also been affected by the same incident. In these circumstances, it is advised that another trusted adult offer support to the child and the family.

Course aims

• Gain an understanding of the ways in which a major incident may affect a child or young person.
• Explore how you can help support a child or young person after a major incident.
• Consider how a major incident related bereavement affects a child or young person.
• Know when to seek more help and how you can do this.