Covid19 Experience & Child Trauma

When a child feels intensely threatened by an event he or she is involved in or witnesses, we call that event a *TRAUMA*. There is a range of traumatic events or trauma types to which children and adolescents can be exposed.

The COVID19 which is a disaster type of traumatic event. The COVID19 has introduced experiences in some children and adolesents.

*SOME COVID19 EXPERIENCES THAT CAN CAUSE CHILD TRAUMA*

 1) LOSS: The pandemic has caused separation of kids from their parents either during isolation or death,thereby living children in the care of foster parents,guardians or caregivers.

2) ABUSE: Some children and adolescent have been physically, sexually and emotionally abused. Some may not have experienced these abuses directly but indirectly. Having to hear from mummy,daddy,friends, social media etc, this is because they are all at home.

3) LACK OF SOCIALIZATION: Like adults, children are experiencing new or intensified stressors as a result of the pandemic, including loss of routine, separation from friends and extended family and increased anxiety and frustration.

Disasters last a really long time in the lives of children,Rather than “bouncing back,” as many adults seem to expect, children incorporate trauma into their growth and future lives.

Unfortunately, adults don’t usually consider that in their policy creations, especially when it comes to dealing with crisis.

"Wounded children have a rage,a sense of failed justice that burns in their soul".

Children are more likely to experience trauma after this phase and we encourage Parents, Teachers, Child trauma specialist, Counsellors to be on the look out.

Their mental health should be of utmost importance.

To Parents and Teachers; be on the lookout for stress on these children.

While they return to school ensure they are not being traumatized before trying to load them with academic work.

When their *MENTAL HEALTH* is fine,they will deliver.

Clare Chibueze

#ChildTraumaSpecialist

#Education

#COVID19