Suffolk Children services brace for rise in calls about back to school worries
With many children back to school they're sharing advice for the new year
The NSPCC-run service delivered more than 1,800 counselling sessions on the subject last year, and staff who support children in Suffolk expect that figure to spike again in the coming weeks as term begins.
Emma Hall, campaigns officer for the NSPCC in the East of England, told us children share a wide mix of concerns when they reach out for help.
She said: “What we know from children is that there have been a number of concerns that they've raised with us about returning to school. We know that Childline are expecting an increase over the next coming weeks.”
Among the most common issues are worries about fitting back into school routines and pressures around how they look. Hall explained: “Young people have spoken about their worries in returning to school with routines of school, their changes in their appearance and how their peers might perceive them, as well as the worries around their academic demands of the new term, especially those young people who are transitioning into their GCSE and A levels.”
She added that the start of September is always one of the busiest times for the helpline: “Last year, we delivered over 1,800 counselling sessions to children and young people regarding their concerns and their worries about returning to school, and there is always that peak around August, September.”
"It's normal to feel nervous"
The charity is urging parents and carers in Suffolk to keep conversations open at home and be mindful of the pressures young people face during the return to classrooms.
The NSPCC says children should be reminded that it’s normal to feel nervous about starting or returning to school, and encourages them to talk openly about their feelings with someone they trust. Parents and carers are advised to reassure young people, help them get back into school routines gradually, and remind them that Childline is always available if they don’t feel able to share their worries at home.
Tips for parents and carers
If your child is worried about returning to school, there are plenty of things you can do and ways to support them:
Writing feelings down – you could get your child to write down everything they are looking forward to at school, and everything they are worried about. Encourage them to show you the list so that you can chat through their concerns, help them cope with their worries and also look at the positives.
Listening to their concerns – if your child has concerns about going back to school, be sure to take time to listen to what they are saying before you jump in to give advice or your opinion.
Practical solutions – once your child has shared any concerns or anxieties they might have about going back to school, you could try talking through some practical solutions. You could start by asking them what they think might help them to feel better about the situations that worry them.
Remind them to take their time – remind your child that it can take time to adjust to being back at school, and it’s okay if it doesn’t feel comfortable at first.
Doing things they enjoy - even when they are back at school, making time every day to do something they enjoy can really help to ease anxiety.
Let a teacher know - Depending on your child's age and the type of worries they have, you might also want to let a teacher know when they do go back to school, so they can provide any extra support if needed.
Tips for children
Talking to a safe adult - No matter what the reason is, if a young person is struggling ahead of going back to school, it’s vital that they are encouraged to talk to a safe adult about this.
As well as talking to an adult, there are other things that young people can do to help them cope with these feelings. They could:
Writing down their worries and hopes – They can write down everything they’re looking forward to at school, and everything they’re worried about. They could show the list to an adult they trust so that they can help them cope with the worries.
Ask questions - Ask their parents, carers or teachers about anything they’re not sure about. They could ask about things they’ll need at school, who will be in their lessons or anything else that’s on their mind.
Prepare themselves before going back - Make sure they pack their bag before going back, and that they’ve got their uniform, if they wear one.
Use the Childline online mood journal - The mood journal can help them to let their feelings and worries out.
Stay connected – With their friends and family, whether that be online or in person.
Do some physical activity – Such as playing a game outside, going for a walk or taking part in a sport.
Childline is available 24/7 for anyone under 19 who needs support, on the phone at 0800 1111 or via the 121 chat at childline.org.uk.