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Natural disasters

Australia has been, and continues to be, impacted by natural disasters. Increased media attention, rapid spread of news through social media, and constant talk in the community about natural disasters impacts on all students, whether they have been affected directly or indirectly. Supporting students to understand and process a natural disaster, and to move forward following such an event, has positive outcomes for them, schools as a whole and the wider community.

By creating a safe space for students to discuss the complex issues associated with natural disasters, schools can enhance individuals’ and communities’ wellbeing and resilience. These issues include trauma associated with direct impact, feelings of helplessness and of wanting to do something, and anger at the perceived causes. It is important that students feel they are listened to and are aware of the support networks available to them.

ReachOut Schools has developed resources for students impacted directly or indirectly by a natural disaster. These lesson activities have been designed to support students to build resilience and improve their wellbeing. Concepts including ‘community resilience’, ‘sharing lived experience’, ‘coping with bad world news’ and ‘climate anxiety’ are explored using interactive and engaging activities to help students process their traumatic experiences and articulate their coping strategies.

Classroom resources

Designed to be engaging and relevant to your students.

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Resilience during natural disasters

Students learn about resilience and wellbeing, and about how communities can be supported in the aftermath of bushfires.

7-12

60 minutes

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Coping during natural disasters

This lesson helps students who have been directly impacted by a natural disaster. Students use lived experience to evaluate how others have coped, and reflect on the strategies they have used and could use in the future.

7-12

60 minutes

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Accessing professional help

This lesson will support your students in knowing how and where to access professional help to support them through a mental health issue.

7-12

60 minutes

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Empathy

Students explore their understanding of empathy and recognise how to respond to people’s feelings.

7-10

60 minutes

Wellbeing Fives

Energise, refocus and develop wellbeing in your students in 5 minutes.

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Dealing with bad world news

Students analyse the impact of bad world news on their wellbeing and develop their own coping strategies.

7-12

5 minutes

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Climate change anxiety

Students develop practical strategies for coping with climate anxiety.

7-12

5 minutes

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Self-care during natural disasters

Using bushfires as an example, students identify ways to take care of themselves and their peers during a natural disaster.

7-10

5 minutes

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'How are you going?' quiz

This quiz will help your students check in with themselves.

7-12

5 minutes

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Helping a friend you are concerned about

Students practise having conversations to support friends experiencing mental health difficulties.

7-12

5 minutes

Resources for parents and carers

Share with parents and carers to support a whole school approach to student wellbeing.

Teenage boy with head in hand

Helping your teen deal with the stress of a natural disaster

You can help your teen by being open to any stress bushfires may cause and taking steps to help them manage it.

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Helping your teen deal with the emotional impact of the bushfires

Learn how to help your teen manage the emotions that may come up from dealing with the bushfires.

Image of a teenage girl smiling with dad and another teenager in a kitchen.

How to make self-care a family priority

Self-care can be hard to prioritise. Get it front and centre for your family with these tips.

Image of a dad and his daughter sitting together outside. They are both smiling.

Stress management techniques for teens

Long-term stress can take a toll on your teen’s wellbeing. You can help them manage their stress through healthy lifestyle habits, relaxation techniques, self-care and getting professional support if they need it.

Resources for students

Engaging and reliable content for young people to support their wellbeing.

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How to deal with the stress of bushfires, floods, earthquakes and cyclones

While natural disasters are out of your control, there are things you can do to feel better and to get help.

three young people sitting outside smiling

5 ways to manage your wellbeing during the bushfires

During the bushfires, communities have shown their resilience and generosity of spirit in ways that can be empowering for those affected.

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Taking care of yourself during the bushfires

We've put together some tips with our mates from Hack on triple j to help you feel a little bit better about what's going on with the bushfires.

girl sitting down looking at her phone

How to call a helpline

Calling a helpline is an accessible way to get the support you need. Learn more about what to expect when contacting a helpline and the kinds of help they can provide.

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        Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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