Older children react differently. Boys seem to express their distress much more outwardly. They may become aggressive and disobedient. Sometimes they start to use violence to try and solve problems, as if they have learnt to do this from the way that adults behave in their family. Older boys may play truant and may start to use alcohol or drugs.
Girls are more likely to keep their distress inside.
They may withdraw from other people and become anxious or depressed. They may think badly of themselves and complain of vague physical symptoms. They are more likely to have an eating disorder, or to harm themselves by taking overdoses or cutting themselves. Children with these problems often start to do badly at school. They may also get symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder that is, have nightmares and flashbacks and be easily startled.