What is a ‘trigger warning’ and why are they controversial?

Debate continues over whether content labelling helps or harms students

J.K. Rowling reading from Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling is among authors whose work has been labelled with warnings
(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins and Philip Pullman are the latest authors whose novels have been pulled into the culture war of psychological sensitivity vs. wokeness.

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Julia O'Driscoll is the engagement editor. She covers UK and world news, as well as writing lifestyle and travel features. She regularly appears on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast, and hosted The Week's short-form documentary podcast, “The Overview”. Julia was previously the content and social media editor at sustainability consultancy Eco-Age, where she interviewed prominent voices in sustainable fashion and climate movements. She has a master's in liberal arts from Bristol University, and spent a year studying at Charles University in Prague.