Although people of all ages share many feelings and reactions in response to the direct or indirect effects of a disaster, special attention is required to meet the needs of children.
Typical reactions for children of all ages include:
Fear of future disasters
Loss of interest in school
Regressive behavior
Sleep disturbance and night terrors
Fear of natural events associated with the disaster
Specific age groups:
Different age groups of children tend to be vulnerable to the stress of disaster in unique ways. Below are summaries of typical responses for different age groups and suggested responses to them.
Preschool (ages 1 - 5):
Typical reactions in this age group include:
Thumb sucking
Bedwetting
Fear of the dark or fear of animals
Clinging to parents
Night terrors
Loss of bladder or bowel control, constipation
Speech difficulties (e.g., stammering)
Loss of appetite or increased appetite
The following are recommendations to help the child integrate their experiences and reestablish a sense of security:
Encourage expression through play reenactment
Provide verbal reassurance and physical comforting
Give frequent attention
Encourage expression regarding loss (pets, toys, etc.)
Provide comforting bedtime routines
Allow them to sleep in the same room with their parents (with the understanding that this is for a limited time)
Early childhood (ages 5 - 11):
Regressive behavior is typical of this group
Irritability/whining
Clinging behavior
Overt competition with younger siblings for parents’ attention
Aggressive behavior at home or school
Night terrors/nightmares/fear of the dark
Withdrawal from peers
Loss of interest and poor concentration in school or avoidance of school
The following responses may be helpful:
Patience and tolerance
Play sessions and discussions with adults and peers
Relaxation of expectations in school or at home (with the clear understanding that this is a temporary and regular routine will be resumed after a suitable period)
Opportunities for structured but not demanding chores and responsibilities at home
Rehearsal of safety measures to be taken in case of future disasters
Preadolescent (ages 11 - 14):
Listed below are some common reactions seen in children of this age group:
Sleep and/or appetite disturbance
Rebellion at home (e.g., refusal to do chores)
School problems (e.g., fighting, withdrawal)
Physical complaints such as headaches, vague aches and pains, etc.
Loss of interest in peer social activities
Responses should be aimed at lessening tensions and anxieties, and possible guilt feelings. The following may be helpful:
Group activities geared toward the resumption of routines
Involvement in activities with the same age group
Structured but undemanding responsibilities; temporarily relaxed expectations of performance at school and home
Additional individual attention and consideration
Adolescent (ages 14 - 18):
Adolescents may be especially distressed by the disruption of peer group activities and lack of access to full adult responsibilities in community efforts. These additional symptoms may be observed:
Appetite and sleep disturbance
Headaches and tension
Hypochondriasis or psychosomatic symptoms
Changes in the menstrual cycle
Agitation or apathy
Decline in interest in the opposite sex
Irresponsible or delinquent behavior
Loss of interest in otherwise enjoyable activities
Poor concentration
The following interventions can be tried:
Encourage participation in community rehabilitation or reclamation work
Encourage the resumption of social activities, athletics or clubs
Encourage discussion of disaster experiences with peers, family, and significant others
Temporarily reduce expectations for school and general performance
Encourage but do not insist upon the discussion of disaster and fears within the family
When to contact a mental health professional
There is a wide range of common reactions following a disaster. Usually, the reactions can be dealt with by support at home and school. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above become worse, or if other, more severe symptoms develop, like drug or alcohol use in adolescents, or increased confusion, it would be beneficial to talk to a mental health professional.
