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Resources to help children in the aftermath of a hurricane
The devastation caused by hurricanes can be overwhelming to anyone, but poses unique challenges for children. Compared to adults, children suffer more from exposure to disasters—including psychological, behavioral, and physical problems, as well as difficulties learning in school.
While a nationally representative study found that 14 percent of children in the United States (ages 2–17 years) have experienced a disaster, most will never have direct experience. However, even those who hear about a disaster or see images on television may show symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Psychological impacts on children are particularly likely to reverberate after a disaster.
Children’s reactions to hurricanes differ—some exhibit little distress, others have short-term difficulties, and still others struggle with long-term mental health problems. In most cases, children’s negative responses to disasters decrease over time. For example, 2–3 years after Katrina, more than 72 percent showed signs of resilience or recovery. How children respond to disasters is influenced by several factors, including their individual experiences, age and stage of development, reactions of parents and other caregivers, previous exposure to trauma, and the presence of other risk and protective factors in their lives.
Emphasize hope and positivity. Children need to feel safe, secure, and positive about their present and future. Seeing and hearing stories of people helping people in difficult times is both healing and reassuring.
While a nationally representative study found that 14 percent of children in the United States (ages 2–17 years) have experienced a disaster, most will never have direct experience. However, even those who hear about a disaster or see images on television may show symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Psychological impacts on children are particularly likely to reverberate after a disaster.
Children’s reactions to hurricanes differ—some exhibit little distress, others have short-term difficulties, and still others struggle with long-term mental health problems. In most cases, children’s negative responses to disasters decrease over time. For example, 2–3 years after Katrina, more than 72 percent showed signs of resilience or recovery. How children respond to disasters is influenced by several factors, including their individual experiences, age and stage of development, reactions of parents and other caregivers, previous exposure to trauma, and the presence of other risk and protective factors in their lives.
Emphasize hope and positivity. Children need to feel safe, secure, and positive about their present and future. Seeing and hearing stories of people helping people in difficult times is both healing and reassuring.
https://www.childtrends.org/resources-help-children-aftermath-hurricane/
