Schools can play a critical role in supporting young people who have experienced trauma, but with a wide range of interventions available, it can be difficult to know which approaches are most effective.
This review examines 45 studies of school-based trauma interventions and identifies the elements most consistently associated with reductions in post-traumatic stress symptoms. The findings highlight the value of approaches incorporating psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy and coping skills, alongside practical factors such as group-based delivery, trained and supervised facilitators, parental involvement and structured program manuals. Together, these findings provide useful guidance for schools seeking to implement effective, trauma-informed support for students.
