Nurturing Hope: How Educators Can Understand and Support Teens After a Wildfire

• In Event: Promoting Trauma-Informed Education and Youth Well-Being

Abstract

Wildfires are occurring with greater intensity and frequency and are known to pose mental health risks to teenagers. However, less is understood about their impact from teenagers’ own perspectives. Using a focus group and survey, this small mixed-methods pilot study asked individuals who experienced a California wildfire as teens (ages 13 to 18) about the impacts of the fire and the support they received or needed. Participants highlighted their varying feelings in the months and years after the fire, the desire to spend time with friends and family, the need for more mental health support, and the advice they have for other teens who experience a wildfire. Implications for educators who work with teenagers after a wildfire are discussed.

Authors

• Lindsey Nenadal, California State University - Chico

• Grace Borgeson, California State University - Chico

• Maricella Garcia, California State University - Chico

• Madeline Mauldwin, California State University - Chico

• Lizbeth Navarro, California State University - Chico

• Karen Parmar, California State University - Chico

• Guadalupe Carolina Vazquez, California State University - Chico