Well-being

Learning in crisis and learning about crisis causes concern and fear among adults and children alike: 

• fear for safety 
• fear of loss (for example, home, belongings, loved ones) 
• fear of being lonely and disconnected 
• fear of the unknown future. 

While fear is considered a normal reaction to danger, helping us to adapt to the environment, the research has shown that not everyone has the same sensitivity to this type of stimulus. An individual’s reaction to a crisis can be highly influenced by past and present trauma(s), the family and social environment, by many forms of media and by the types of measures taken in a particular community.  

Sustained worry and fear may also lead to a heightened level of stress, resulting in complex negative experiences for some. While acknowledging some people will need additional and more sustained levels of support, further research has shown that many people, and especially children, are naturally resilient and most will adapt. 

Click the links for tools and research to help teachers, leaders, and parents and guardians address wellbeing both for students and for themselves.

How to start a conversation with children and young people about mental health

How to talk to your children about conflict and war: 8 tips to support and comfort your children

 

You can access more resources by following the links in the side navigation.