The COVID-19 pandemic as traumatic event and the associated psychological impact on families ------------------------------------------------------------------------ – a systematic review ---------- **Background** The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying containment measures can be conceptualized as traumatic events. This systematic review aims to answer the question if the COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures are associated with trauma-related disorders or symptoms in children, adolescents, and caregivers. **Methods** The EBSCO (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, PSYNDEX), Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles as part of a systematic literature search in June 2021. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (EPHPP-QAT; Thomas et al., 2004) was applied. Studies conceptualizing the COVID-19 pandemic as a traumatic event and assessing typically developing children and adolescents (under 18 years), and/or caregivers (at least 18 years) were included. **Results** 22 primary studies including 27,322 participants were evaluated in this systematic review. Most included studies reported higher prevalence rates of various trauma-associated symptoms such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in children, adolescents, and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic measurement points. Since the majority of primary studies carry some methodological shortcomings, results regarding the association between trauma-related symptoms in families and the COVID-19 pandemic should be interpreted cautiously. **Limitations and Conclusion** The results of this systematic review may indicate an association between trauma-related symptoms in families and the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research should follow up on participants and more strongly focus on risk and protective factors. The present review highlights the need to develop adequate methods for early identification of those at risk and implement adapted interventions and therapy services. *Key Words:* COVID-19; pandemic; child; adolescent; parent; caregiver; family; trauma; mental health