Sugden calls for grief education in Northern Ireland school curriculum
East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden has called for grief and bereavement education to be included in Northern Ireland's revised school curriculum, following concerns raised by Cruse Bereavement Support.
“Every day in Northern Ireland, around four children lose a parent,” Ms Sugden said.
“Losing someone is difficult at any age, but for children it can be particularly hard to understand and cope with.”
The MLA noted that grief in young people can affect education, friendships and general wellbeing, and schools play an important role in helping children through that difficult time.
“We should also be teaching young people about grief and how to support others experiencing loss.”
Ms Sugden said the Education Minister Paul Given “recognised the importance of bereavement support in 2024”, but the guidance is yet to be “explicitly included” in the proposed curriculum.
“I've raised this with the Minister because children deserve proper support, and teachers need the training and resources to provide it,” she concluded.
“The curriculum review is an opportunity to address this and make sure no child is left struggling without the support they need.”