Impact of refugee trauma on children and young people SESSION 4

Understanding refugee students’ reaction to the refugee experience refugee experience As well as the experiences common to us all, refugees also react to their pre-arrival experience. All these conditions can affect their behaviour as students. These are normal reactions to abnormal situations.

Working with refugee students who have experienced trauma Don’t underestimate their strengthDon’t underestimate their strength They are resilient, but in need of supportThey are resilient, but in need of support Recognise the importance of schoolRecognise the importance of school in providing support

 Thinking a lot about experiences of violence  Feeling ill and having unexplained pain  Difficulty sleeping  Lack of concentration and interest  Shattered assumptions about human existence  Helplessness and loss of control  Irritability and aggression Some of the indicators of refugee trauma are:

 Lack of confidence and trust, especially with authority figures figures  Problems with attachment and bonding  Anxiety – feeling afraid  Depression – feeling sad  Survivor guilt  Heightened sense of responsibility  Difficulty having ‘fun’ Some of the indicators of refugee trauma are:

Symptoms in preschool-age children  Anxious attachment  Regression  Thematic play  Traumatic dreams and nightmares  Obsessive telling of story  Withdrawn  Mutism  Illness or tiredness Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms in school-aged children  Elaborate re-enactments of trauma  Moodiness  Aggressive and bossy behaviour  Decline in school or work tasks  Perfectionism in tasks and performance  Continual and/or obsessive talking  Psychosomatic complaints Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms in adolescents  withdrawn  compliance  anger and rebellion  acting out behaviours  disobeying rules  drug taking  inappropriate sexual activity  vandalism  extremes in risk taking behaviour  pre-occupation with self Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Supporting refugee students and their families Key Points to remember: The importance of family well-beingThe importance of family well-being Supporting parents and familiesSupporting parents and families The importance of schoolThe importance of school