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TFAH • WBT • PaininTheNation.org
Trauma-informed practices or
strategies have been adopted in many
schools and are being shown to help
all students, not just those impacted
by trauma, to develop self-coping skills
and foster self-awareness and resilience.
By adopting these strategies school-
wide, stigma around mental health
is reduced and social and emotional
safety is enhanced. Supporting students
in the aftermath of trauma or in
dealing with life's complexities can
enhance their engagement in school
and with peers, teachers and families.
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Such engagement is crucial for
academic success.
The National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism has identified
key elements of the most effective
school-based alcohol prevention
programs, which include:
l
Correcting misperceptions that
everyone is drinking;
l
Teaching youth ways to say no to alcohol;
l
Using interactive teaching techniques
(e.g., small-group activities, role plays
and same-age leaders);
l
Involving parents and other segments
of the community;
l
Revisiting the topic over the years to
reinforce prevention messages;
l
Providing training and support for
teachers and students; and
l
Ensuring efforts are culturally and
developmentally on target for the
students they serve.
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse
has identified five key prevention skills
that schools should help their students
acquire at both the elementary and
middle and high school levels.
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