Children's charity urging young people in the Midlands to talk about their back to school concerns
The NSPCC is putting out the reminder as pupils get ready to head back for the new school year
A children's charity supporting young people in the Midlands has said it is important those across the region 'speak up' about any concerns they have about going back to school.
The message from the NSPCC comes as pupils prepare for the start of a new school year.
Figures from previous periods saw its Chidline service deliver 1,812 counselling sessions between April 2024 to March 2025 to young people on the topic, with over a third of these happening across August and September.
Childline twilight practitioner Gail Sayles, who's from the team working across the Midlands to provide assistance, said there's a number of things they see which can cause worries for pupils.
"Throughout the year at Childline we receive contacts from young people concerned in some way or other with school, particularly around this time of year with a new school term but also a new school year," she said.
"For some young people going back to school they're really excited, they're looking forward to the chance to see their friends again or to be starting secondary school for the first time maybe.
"For other young people, the new school year can mean worries, the unknown if they are starting a fresh new school, but it could also be the start of exam year, while for other young people they might be being bullied at school so it's the fear of going back to that."
She added that it is crucial young people ask for help if they need it, so they can get any advice or support to deal with those concerns.
"This time of year can be very scary, a whole mix of emotions, and the thing is, it's really important to talk about how you're feeling, it's a real sign of strength to share how you're feeling and to reach out for help and support," she said.
"If you're unsure, ask your teachers, ask your parents, ask about routines and where you're supposed to go, getting organised can also help and then you haven't got to worry about those last minute things you have to do.
"Make sure you're all ready and prepared and just take it one day at a time and make sure you make time to have fun too."
Further information and support can be found on the Childline website.