How physical education is the secret weapon for young people to cope with trauma

Teachers and educational practitioners across Sussex came together on Friday, October 11, to learn more about trauma-informed PE.

Active Sussex organised the CPD event, which welcomed Neil Moggan, the founder of Future Action, to discuss the science, evidence, and principles behind a trauma-informed approach to PE.

He was joined by Bohunt Worthing Secondary School headteacher Paul Collin and Head of PE Gary Weedon, who spoke about what they have implemented and how it has worked.

Neil said: “Back in August, the NHS released data that anxiety in young people had doubled since the pandemic.

“It has fallen on the schools to be, basically, the fourth emergency service. 

“By equipping the schools to identify those who are struggling through a self-care toolbox and develop movement for mental wellbeing, we can go on to help more young people before they need specialist support.”

This issue has been backed up by research published by Sport England this month (October 2024), which shows “strong and consistent evidence that sport and physical activity interventions had positive effects on the diagnosed mental health problems of children and young people.”

One in two people have suffered at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) – throw in the COVID pandemic, and that is even higher.

These can range from ‘small’ traumas, such as moving home, the birth of a new sibling, illness, or friendship issues, to more significant traumas, ranging from divorce to childhood abuse.

Sadly, ACEs can lead to poor health and early death if intervention does not take place.

Neil, an experienced teacher, director of sport, health and RSHE, and author of Time to Rise Up, said: “There are so many issues out there. We need to act now to create a better future.”

The training day provided educational practitioners with various strategies to transform the relationships, well-being, engagement, and progress of young people and a child’s life chances in the long term.

Neil described physical education as ‘the secret weapon’ for helping young people overcome or cope with their traumas, encouraging practitioners to work on triggering the social engagement system rather than the social defence system.

Tips included considering your face, voice, and body language when communicating and ensuring different types of sports and physical activity were planned into the schedule.

Repeaters are repetitive activities such as running, walking, rowing, and yoga that can help you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Stress busters, such as boxing, weight training, smashing a ball, contact rugby, and yoga, can increase confidence by releasing serotonin.

Energisers – dance, HIIT workouts, aerobics, skipping, and circuit training – boost confidence and motivation by releasing dopamine and serotonin, which makes the participant feel energised and happier.

Ensuring teams were inclusive and fostered a sense of belonging were also great ways to help.

Attendees were asked to reflect on whether their school was trauma-inducing, trauma-indifferent, trauma-informed, or trauma-invested and what they could do to improve.

Gary Weedon, from Bohunt Worthing, looked at staff and student surveys, which questioned what students wanted to get from their PE experience.

Being physically active, happiness and enjoyment, and mental health were very high for staff and students, while learning skills and technical knowledge were at the bottom.

Gary spoke about changing PE at Bohunt Worthing by incorporating trauma-informed practice, removing barriers, focusing on movement for mental well-being, and increasing mental health awareness.

Gary said, “Our focus is on people first, getting them moving second, and then teaching them about an activity. 

“Know your students well. Relationships are key. Tap into children’s passion and engagement to teach them it is ok not to be ok.”

Attendees had a chance to try a few simple activities to help children, such as a walk-and-talk exercise and a breathing exercise, while Gary also explained the option pathway they offer to help make PE personally relevant to the student.

David Taylor, the Active Schools Officer at Active Sussex, said after the event: With the majority of children in schools now affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), it is imperative that schools are both aware of their impact and, just as crucially, how a trauma-informed approach to teaching can support these pupils. 

“The fantastic presenters today have showcased how the most vulnerable pupils can significantly improve their relationships, engagement, behaviour, attendance, progress and life chances through effective PE, sport and physical activity provision. 

“I hope that every school and teacher gets the opportunity to learn what was showcased today so that every pupil can reap the resulting wellbeing benefits and develop positive attitudes towards being active.”

To learn more about the available CPD days, sign up for the Active Sussex education monthly newsletter here and visit the Active Schools page on the Active Sussex website.