Why children can't learn unless they feel safe episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 15, 2026 · 26 MIN

Why children can't learn unless they feel safe

from The New Zealand Initiative · host The New Zealand Initiative

In this episode, Michael talks to Lynda Knight, principal of Glenview School in Porirua, about how understanding the neuroscience of stress and trauma transformed her school's approach to dysregulated behaviour. They discuss why a felt sense of safety, strong relational connections and teacher self-regulation are essential foundations for learning, and what schools and policymakers can do to better support children experiencing stress and trauma.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 15, 2026

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Why children can't learn unless they feel safe

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