Trauma takes many forms, from sexual abuse, physical abuse, abandonment, and mental abuse. Handling trauma among children requires early identification of victims of traumatic events, since most are reluctant to seek help. Children exhibit apparent indicators of trauma, and specific measures can be put in place to counter traumatic events. Additionally, some children are involved in substance abuse and have mental health issues, and it is important to identify and counter these issues.
Children who have undergone traumatic events usually portrayal some, or all, of the following signs. First, their behavior is altered. They may become withdrawn, or hyperactive and aggressive (Cummings & Swindell, 2018). Second, a child may start to portray problems in their academic work, often seeming unenthusiastic in class and consequently performing poorly in tests (Cummings & Swindell, 2018). Third, the child may have apparent signs of sexual or physical abuse such as bruises and scars that the child cannot properly explain. The Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA) is the federal legislation that funds state children protection programs.
Students who engage in drug abuse become truant and perform poorly. Interventions such as counseling, detoxification, and rehabilitation programs should be established for students. Prevention campaigns can be used discourage students from partaking in drugs. Lessons from the failed Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program should be incorporated into drug campaigns to ensure success. The DARE program was out of touch with the student hence its failure (Berry, 2021).
Mental health issues contribute violence, drug abuse, poor performance in academic work, and in the most extreme cases, suicide. Preventing suicide starts by encouraging parents to become more in touch with their children’s lives. With the help of professionals, the parents can be adequately equipped to help their children overcome stress. Children should also receive appropriate life skills training to help them overcome the obstacles in their personal lives.
Dealing with young students requires attention to their diverse needs. Attention to their needs is a joint effort by the parents as well as the teachers. Students require assistance and guidance to overcome trauma, avoid drugs, and overcome personal issues that may lead to stress. These delicate matters should be handled lovingly. Dealing with students in a condescending manner only worsens the problem, and such an approach is counterproductive.
References
Berry, M. (2021). 3 Reasons Why the DARE Program Failed. American Addiction Centers. Web.
Cummings, K. P., & Swindell, J. (2019). Using a Trauma-Sensitive Lens to Support Children with Diverse Experiences. Young Exceptional Children, 22(3), 139–149.