As the new school year approaches, many children experience stress and anxiety. Experts highlight simple strategies for parents to help ease the transition and support young people’s mental health amid rising back-to-school worries.
As the new school year draws closer, many children and teenagers are feeling the strain, and experts say that anxiety around the return to class is both common and often under-recognised.
The American Institute of Stress says 75% of high school students and 50% of middle school pupils consistently report feeling stressed, a reminder that school-related pressure can affect young people at nearly every stage of adolescence. Dr Ariana Hoet, executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, said stress can surface even when something positive is happening, because change itself can unsettle children. Moving from the freedom of summer into a fixed school routine, she said, can create a loss of control that adults and children alike may feel.
Hoet said parents should not assume silence means a child is coping well. Some children may be thrilled about returning, while others may be worried about practical details such as walking to new classrooms, using lockers or adjusting to a new school environment. The key, she said, is to start conversations early and ask what is on a child’s mind before small worries grow into larger ones.
The Kids Mental Health Foundation recommends a few simple steps to ease the transition, including talking through summer experiences, discussing any fears about school, re-establishing daily routines before classes begin and setting up a space for homework at home. It also suggests encouraging children to get involved in school activities and peer connections, while seeking help from a paediatrician or therapist if worries continue.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
