Young children and brain development

This film explores the impact of trauma on children’s brains. It helps us to understand that children do not need to be physically present to be impacted by violence. The effects of trauma in young lives range from potential cognitive delay, difficulties in making choices, problems with attachment , anxiety about predictability of adults behaviours and what are sometimes known as trauma ‘triggers’. These can be smells, sounds and sights which provoke memories of the trauma experiences of the past.

NSPCC: How a child’s brain develops through early experiences

Identify the ways in which trauma experiences can manifest in children’s behaviours and join the discussion below to exchange ideas and suggestions with others.