Understanding ACEs: The Hidden Story Behind Behaviour

Across Scotland, children and young people walk into classrooms every day carrying far more than backpacks. Some carry trauma experiences man that silently shape how they think, learn, and behave. These are known as Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs.

ACEs include things like abuse, neglect, domestic violence, parental mental illness or substance use, and living in a household with criminal behaviour. The original ACEs study found that the more adversity a child faces, the more likely they are to experience poor outcomes later in life including physical and mental health issues, substance misuse, school exclusion, unemployment, and involvement in violence or crime.

ACEs are not destiny. But when ignored, they can quietly erode a child’s ability to focus, connect, and thrive especially in school.

Why ACEs Awareness Should Be Mandatory in Scottish Schools

While Scotland has made strong progress in recognising the importance of wellbeing in education, ACEs awareness is not yet a universal part of teacher training or school culture. That needs to change & urgently.

Here’s why 

1. Behaviour Is Communication

Children who’ve experienced trauma may act out, shut down, or appear defiant. But often, they’re not being “bad” they’re dysregulated. ACEs awareness helps staff see behaviour as communication, not a character flaw.

2. Early Intervention Saves Lives

The earlier a child’s trauma is recognised, the sooner they can access support. Educators with ACEs training are better able to spot the signs and refer students to help, preventing escalation into mental health crises or youth violence.

3. Exclusion and Punishment Don’t Work

Traditional disciplinary approaches often punish trauma affected kids, pushing them out of school and into harmful environments. Understanding ACEs leads to restorative, supportive responses that help students stay engaged and succeed.

4. Every School Has Children with ACEs

ACEs affect all communities rural and urban, affluent and deprived. No school is immune. Making ACEs education mandatory ensures every child is supported, no matter where they live or learn.

Why Scotland Needs Trauma Informed Schools

ACEs awareness is the foundation. But to truly meet the needs of Scotland’s children, we need traumainformed schools whole environments designed with safety, trust, and healing in mind.

This means 

Staff trained in trauma sensitive practice

Safe, predictable routines that reduce anxiety

Mental health support embedded in school life

Restorative approaches to discipline

Strong relationships between staff and pupils

A culture that empowers student voice and agency

Trauma informed schools don’t just help children survive they help them heal and thrive in this world we are living in today

Aligning with Scotland’s Vision

Scotland has made a bold promise through initiatives like The Promise, the Scottish ACEs Hub, and Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). But these visions can’t be fully realised without embedding ACEs and trauma-informed practice at the heart of education.

Making ACEs awareness mandatory in teacher training and school policy would be a powerful next step toward a Scotland where no child is left behind because of their past.

In Summary

ACEs impact learning, behaviour, and wellbeing

Awareness empowers educators to respond with understanding, not punishment

Trauma-informed schools create the conditions for safety, healing, and success

Scotland has the frameworks now we need implementation across every classroom

Let’s make every school a place where children are seen, heard, and supported not in spite of what they’ve been through, but because we understand it.

Because every child deserves a chance to thrive.

James Downie – Director Of Youth Engagement

Contact us by email at EK@thecommunityimpact.co.uk or via social media if you wish to confidentially discuss this article. You can always comment below.