New research from Scotty’s Little Soldiers reveals the urgent need for better support for bereaved military children in UK schools.
Key findings show:
- 77% of bereaved military children encounter lesson content that reminds them of their parent’s death.
- 52% face multiple instances of potentially traumatic topics.
- Less than a third of families feel schools handle these situations with sensitivity.
Call for Policy Change
In response, Scotty’s Little Soldiers and The Royal British Legion are urging the Department for Education to publish best practice guidance to support bereaved children in the classroom. This should include:
- Appropriate warnings to families and children about potentially distressing content.
- Alternative study topics for bereaved children to ensure equitable academic attainment.
- Access to safe spaces where bereaved children can work if needed.
These simple measures can make a world of difference for children who have already been through so much.
As part of the Behind The Uniform campaign, bereaved young people created two powerful animations sharing their experiences:
- “Do You Think That’s Funny?” – highlighting how classroom topics can trigger painful memories.
- “Time’s Up” – showing the unseen emotional impact on bereaved military children.
Learn more about the research, the call for change, and watch the animations>
