Dimension 7 · How to build resilience · Children
Trust in institutions
“On some things we are not alone. That is why people who help exist.”
What is it?
Every day you meet people who help others.
Every day you meet people who help others and make sure society works. They include for example:
- teachers,
- doctors,
- nurses,
- paramedics,
- firefighters,
- police officers,
- psychologists,
- librarians,
- local authority workers,
- public transport drivers and many others.
You may not even notice their work. But when you fall ill, you go to the doctor. When something happens, paramedics arrive. When you need to understand something new, your teacher helps you. When you don't know what to do, there are people and services you can turn to.
Important emergency numbers
Resilience is also about knowing where to find help. When a problem arrives, you don't have to face it alone. Institutions aren't perfect, but they are here for you.
You don't have to manage everything alone
Sometimes people think that asking for help means being weak. In reality it is the opposite. Courage is not managing everything alone. Courage is knowing when you need the help of others.
Nobody expects you to heal a broken leg yourself. In the same way, you don't have to deal with bullying, serious worries or dangerous situations on your own. That is exactly why there are people who are prepared for situations like these.
It is good to know where to turn
Imagine that:
- someone feels unwell,
- you get lost,
- someone is hurting a classmate,
- something has been troubling you for a long time,
- you are dealing with a problem at home or at school.
Do you know who you would go to? That very knowledge is an important part of resilience. When you know where to look for help, you are not alone with your problems.
Rules aren't just there to be annoying
Sometimes rules can feel annoying. You have to wait for the green light. There is a certain order at school. You wear a helmet on your bike. You wait in a queue at the doctor's. But most rules were created to protect people, health or safety. They aren't perfect, but they help us live together.
Trust doesn't mean believing everything without thinking
It is fine to ask questions. It is fine to want explanations. It is fine to think for yourself. Trust means believing that there are people who have the knowledge, experience and responsibility to help others.
Why does this relate to resilience?
Resilience is not only about what you can manage alone. It is also about knowing:
- where to look for help,
- who you can trust,
- who is responsible for what,
- how the world around you works.
When you understand this, you feel more confident and safe. And when a problem comes, you know you don't have to face it alone.
Story: Jakub and the number 155
Jakub was at the playground with friends when an older boy landed badly after a jump and stayed lying on the ground.
He wouldn't get up and it was clear something was hurting him badly. Everyone around felt uncertain. What do we do? Do we lift him? Should we call someone?
Jakub's heart was pounding and his hands started shaking. Then he remembered the school talk about first aid. He took out his phone and called 155.
His voice shook a little, but the woman on the other end was calm. She asked what had happened and told him exactly what to do. Jakub and his friends stayed with the injured boy and waited for the ambulance.
It turned out the boy had seriously injured his ankle. As the ambulance pulled away, one of the paramedics told Jakub: You called correctly. That is exactly how it's done.
On the way home, Jakub thought about it. It suddenly hit him that the numbers they learn at school aren't just for tests. And that when something serious happens, there are people who know what to do.
Ten tips
What to remember
Know who to turn to for what.
When you know who can help you and with what, you are not alone with the problem.
Asking for help takes courage.
Nobody has to manage everything on their own.
Remember important emergency numbers.
112, 150, 155 and 158 may one day help you or someone else.
If you have a problem at school, don't face it alone.
Teachers, the school psychologist or counsellor are also there to help.
Rules usually don't exist to annoy you.
They help protect people and keep things running safely.
Tell doctors and other professionals the truth.
They can only help you well when they know what is really happening.
Unverified information may not be true.
When in doubt, look for information from reliable sources.
Trust doesn't mean blind agreement.
It's fine to think, ask questions and want explanations.
Help exists for problems that aren't visible.
Not just for injuries, but also for sadness, fear, bullying or distress.
Institutions aren't perfect, but they are here for you.
Use them.
Questions for reflection
Try asking yourself...
- 1
Who would you turn to if you found yourself in a situation you couldn't handle alone?
- 2
Do you know who to call in the event of a serious injury or accident?
- 3
Which adult in your life do you trust the most?
- 4
When did someone last help you solve a problem you couldn't figure out yourself?
- 5
Why do you think rules exist at school, on the road or in public places?