Schools are meant to be a safe place for learning, but after a crisis happens, the school’s atmosphere can be drastically affected. Although they may vary in severity, these incidents are unfortunately quite common.
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 67% of the schools surveyed had experienced at least one incidence of violence within the 2021-22 school year.
As crises can impact students’ learning, mental health, and the overall school environment, it is crucial for school leaders to understand the challenges and implement effective strategies for recovery and resilience.
Trauma’s Impact on Students
Trauma is known to alter brain development in children, so it is especially important to consider how it will present itself within students in the classroom. Students might end up finding it difficult to engage and succeed in their academics or build healthy relationships with their peers and teachers.
Here are a few more examples of how trauma among students after a crisis:
- Cognitive Functioning: Students may struggle with their memory, affecting how well they can engage with and succeed in their assignments. Their problem-solving abilities might also be hindered.
- Emotional Regulation: After a traumatic event, some students may experience heightened anxiety or mood swings. These emotions can make it increasingly difficult to focus during lessons.
- Social Behavior: On top of struggling to form healthy relationships, some students may also have outbursts or become defiant against their teachers. On the other hand, some students could socially isolate themselves.
Mental Health Support After a Crisis
With the impact trauma can have on students, it’s crucial for school principals to have immediate and accessible mental health support as part of their crisis response plan. By organizing a crisis intervention team, school leaders can ensure that trauma after violence is addressed as soon as possible.
These teams can be comprised of numerous professionals, including school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and administrators. These workers can all play a major role in assessing needs and providing the necessary support. They can also help to provide tailored interventions for students in particularly vulnerable positions.
On-site counseling services are also a must for these situations. Ensure that the counseling space is private, calm, and free of distractions. It’s also important that these counselors are approachable and encourage students to reach out.
Not all students affected by trauma may feel comfortable seeking help, so ensure that school staff are trained in identifying signs of distress to refer students to professionals as needed.
To Restore Safety and Trust
After a crisis, many students and members of the community as a whole may lose trust in the idea that the school is a safe place. To address fear and concerns, school leaders can try fostering open communication with the community. This can look like hosting a town hall or small group discussions in the classroom to ensure everyone can share their feelings. Use these sessions as an opportunity to remain transparent about the steps being taken to enhance campus safety.
By including the community in the communication after a crisis, school principals can help rebuild the feeling of safety and trust within their schools.
Lead Through Recovery
Crises can have a lasting impact on the atmosphere of a school, challenging its role as a safe and supportive space for learning. However, with effective planning, immediate mental health support, and a commitment to rebuilding trust, school principals can lead their communities through recovery and ensure long-term resilience.
