Children and young people understand and respond to road trauma differently depending on their age and maturity. Whether they are directly or indirectly affected, every child or young person’s experience and recovery will be unique.
Supporting children and young people
Children and young people can feel the same emotions as adults after a road incident, but they don’t always have the words to explain them. Every child responds differently. Some may show many reactions, while others may appear unaffected; both responses can be normal.
Feelings may show up as changes in behaviour, play, sleep, appetite, schoolwork, or how they relate to others. A child’s response may be influenced by their age, understanding of the incident, whether they or others were hurt, and how adults around them respond.
What they might be experiencing
Emotional
Fear, shock, guilt, anxiety, anger, mood changes, irritability, separation anxiety or confusion.
Physical
May become more tearful, distressed, experience stomach aches or headaches or feel physically unwell. For children, you may see bed wetting, thumb sucking or needing a comforter such as a blanket or favourite toy.
Behavioural
They may lose interest in enjoyable activities. They may avoid cars, roads or places linked to the incident, withdraw from friends and family, have difficulty sleeping or refuse to go to bed, experience nightmares, replay the crash through play and/or drawings, experience tantrums or emotional outbursts.
Cognitive
Depending on the child’s developmental age, they may ask questions as they try to process what has happened, such as “Why did this happen to us?” or “Is it safe to be on the road now?”
They may begin to worry about it happening again or have difficulty concentrating, remembering things or being organised at school.
How can you support a child or young person after road trauma?
- Keep routines as normal as possible. Familiar routines like mealtimes, school and bedtime help children feel safe.
- Stay calm and connected, as children co-regulate with adults. Your calm, steady presence helps their nervous system settle.
- Use simple, honest language. Explain things in an age appropriate way. Answer questions as they come and assure them they’re safe now.
- Validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared, sad, angry, or confused after a frightening event.
- Encourage gentle conversations. Give them the opportunities to talk and listen without rushing, correcting or interrupting them.
- Let trusted adults know what has happened, such as teachers and coaches, so they can help support the child.
- Praise progress, big or small. Acknowledge efforts and be patient; recovery can have good days and hard days.
- Role model health coping strategies such as mindful breathing, grounding, relaxation, and self-care.
- Limit exposure to media where possible to aid in avoiding re-exposure to road trauma content.
When to seek help
Professional help may be needed if symptoms increase in intensity and duration, significantly impact school or family functioning, or include thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
Where to seek help
If you are concerned about a child in your care, you can see support from your General Practitioner (GP), School Psychologist/Counsellor or Road Trauma Support WA (RTSWA).
Your GP can refer you to a local Counsellor or Psychologist who specialises in supporting children and young people. You can also contact RTSWA to see what support is available for young people and make appointment to see one of our counsellors.
RTSWA can support children aged 13 years or older. If a child is under 13 years of age, we can support those caring for them.
