News Update

Schools need to work with health, justice other agencies to stop ‘toxic stress’ among children

California’s education, health, justice, social service and other agencies need to join forces to address pervasive “toxic stress” among young people that’s been made worse by the pandemic, according to a report released this week by California Surgeon General Nadine Burke Harris.

Roadmap for Resilience: The California Surgeon General’s Report on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Toxic Stress, and Health” outlines the scope of the problem and provides guidance for how schools and other institutions can help students and their families cope with stress and trauma. Training for all staff, referrals to health professionals, investments in a safe and welcoming school climate, and promotion of healthy habits are among the recommendations for schools. Burke Harris has already encouraged schools to screen children for adverse childhood experiences, which can be linked to poor academic performance and physical and mental health challenges. Those experiences can include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or living with a parent who’s mentally ill or an addict.


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