Bereavement: impact on learner identity, mental health and wellbeing

This chapter addresses the taboo subject of bereavement and particularly the need for educators to have an understanding of the impact of grief and how they can enable children and young people to move through this process. It addresses the need for an understanding of the impact of bereavement on children and young people. It starts with an introduction to key terms that should be known and utilised by professionals. The discussion then moves onto contextualising the topic of death firstly through a historical overview, and then through understanding how death and bereavement are perceived within the context of a 21st century eurocentric lens that is applied to childhood and finally by placement within the context of a very diverse and multicultural Britain. Following on from this, the chapter situates how bereavement impacts on a young person’s mental health and wellbeing, specifically looking at the challenges and barriers that need to be considered. Next, suggestions are made with regards to how teachers can support the young people in their charge through strategies that could be adopted on an individual, class, and whole setting approach. Finally there is a snapshot of key takeaway points and some crucial reading to enhance understanding of this emotive topic.