Fear of Terrorist Attack Workshop
It is not surprising that in the wake of the many appalling terrorist attacks across the world, including those in Europe and the UK, there are many children harbouring a fear of terrorism. Unlike adults and teenagers, young children may feel unable to openly talk about their fear of terrorism which is why parents and teachers need to take the lead and address the issue sensitively but honestly.
Older children are more able to articulate their thoughts and feelings but their fear of terrorism can still cause problems if they refuse to face it or express it as anger or hostility towards those who they perceive as a threat.
Whether they work in a primary or secondary school, it can be difficult for a teacher to intervene quickly and appropriately to help the children in their care to understand what is going on after a terrorist incident. A 2020 Dreams Fear of Terrorist Attack Workshop can provide support to schools and institutions by directly tackling this difficult issue in a sensitive and effective manner.
The Risks of Not Talking About Terror
It is natural for parents and teachers to want to protect innocent children from the harsh realities of the world in which we live. Unfortunately, refusing to recognise and deal with the fact that our children may well be experiencing a fear of terrorism can make matters worse.
Unable to put events into perspective, young children may hear people talking about bad people’ injuring and killing others and suffer huge anxiety that their family will be hurt too. It is important that young children understand that terrorist attacks are rare and that the Police and emergency services are there to protect them from harm.
Older children are likely to be more aware of the news but can still become scared over the things they see and hear (terrorism, war, missile tests, etc.) Some may also spread that fear to friends. Again, reassurance about the relative stability of the UK and the role of bodies such as the UN, NATO and the Armed Forces may provide a counterbalance. Focusing on the good actions that people take to help those affected during and after a terrorist attack can also help reduce fear.
Fear of Terrorism, Racism and Discrimination
Perhaps one of the most serious manifestations of the fear of terrorism among the young is the fact that it can cause children of different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds to regard each other with suspicion and even hostility. Bullying on the grounds of race, religion and culture increases divisions within the classroom and society and undermines the unity that so many are trying to build in response to terrorism.
An important role for parents, teachers and PSHE education providers such as 2020 Dreams is to educate children and teenagers on the dangers of stereotyping, the facts behind common myths and the importance of working together to protect one another from terrorism.
What Happens in a 2020 Dreams Fear of Terrorist Attack Workshop?
The most important role of a 2020 Dreams Fear of Terrorism workshop is reducing fear by gently encouraging children to open up and talk about their concerns while providing a supportive environment for positive debate.
Role play scenarios are a powerful method to achieve these aims and our experienced facilitators will design age-appropriate and non-threatening scenarios to help children to understand how fear can affect people in different ways and how to overcome it.
Facilitated open forum discussions put young people at the centre of the fear debate and gives them a platform to express their feelings, ask questions and come together to work out solutions.
For more information about course content or to make a booking, please send us an email at hello@2020dreams.org.uk or call the team on 0800 471 4983.
