Empower yourself with knowledge
Many children in South Africa see or experience scary, painful or unsafe things. This can include violence at home or in the community, bullying, abuse, loss, accidents, illness, or being separated from people they love. These experiences can hurt a child’s heart and mind, even when they do not talk about it.
Children may show stress in different ways. Some may become quiet, angry, scared, clingy, tired, forgetful, or struggle at school. Others may have headaches, stomach aches, nightmares, or trouble sleeping. These signs are not bad behaviour they may be signs that a child needs safety, kindness and support.
Parents, teachers and healthcare workers can help by listening calmly, believing the child, keeping routines steady, and helping the child feel safe. They can use gentle words, give the child time to talk, and remind them that what happened was not their fault. They can also watch for changes in behaviour, learning, sleep, eating, or play, and help the child get extra support when needed.
No child or adult should face this alone. There are organisations in South Africa that support children, families, schools and health workers after difficult experiences. With the right help, children can heal, feel safe again, keep learning, and grow strong beyond what happened to them. Trauma can be part of a child’s story, but it does not have to be the end of their story.
For more information and access to care pathways click on the links below.
