ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides teachers and school personnel with an understanding of various traumas, indicates the possible short- and long-term consequences that can be associated with these traumas, and offers concrete strategies that can be implemented by school professionals for producing better outcomes for children/youth. Mass shootings, terrorism attacks, and cyberbullying are just a few examples of trauma that children and youth may experience. Whether children or youth are surfing the Internet or watching television, it is all too common for them to be faced with tragedy. At a minimum, children and youth will have questions about these events; alternatively, these events may impact them on a deeper, more personal level. Traumas are multifaceted; as a consequence, require a broad-based approach that includes not only the school but caregivers and the larger community.