Back to School & Mental Health
As September begins, families are busy with back-to-school shopping, scheduling, and the excitement of a new academic year. But alongside the anticipation, the transition from summer’s freedom to the demands of school can cause stress and anxiety in children and teens. Supporting your child’s mental health during this time can make a huge difference in how they adjust and thrive.
Why Back-to-School Stress Happens
Every new school year is a significant life transition. Children have to adapt to new routines, social groups, and academic challenges simultaneously. Even children who usually enjoy school may feel nervous about:
New environments: Adjusting to different classrooms, teachers, or even a new school.
Academic expectations: Pressure to perform well, complete homework, and keep up with peers.
Social challenges: Making new friends, finding their place, and handling bullying and peer pressure.
Routine changes: Earlier mornings, less free time, and structured schedules after a summer of flexibility.
Recognising the Signs of Stress in Kids
Children don’t always say outright that they are stressed. Instead, their feelings often manifest in physical or behavioural ways. Watch for:
Ongoing headaches, stomach aches, or frequent trips to the nurse
Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or fatigue
Increased irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal
Avoidance of school-related activities or outright refusal to attend
Sudden drop in grades or loss of interest in learning
If these signs continue beyond the first few weeks of school, it may be more than typical adjustment stress.
Strategies for Supporting Your Child
Parents play a crucial role in easing back-to-school stress. Taking these proactive steps can make all the difference in your child’s mental health.
Start routines early: Gradually shift bedtime, wake-up time, and morning routines before the first day to make the transition smoother.
Talk openly: Encourage honest conversations about what your child is feeling. Ask open-ended questions, such as, “What are you most excited or nervous about?”
Validate feelings: Let your child know it’s normal to feel anxious about new situations and that many other kids feel the same way.
Create a calm environment: Balanced meals, regular physical activity, and adequate downtime all help reduce stress. Try to keep mornings and evenings unhurried.
Problem-solve together: If your child worries about a specific situation (like finding friends at lunch), brainstorm strategies as a team.
Stay connected with teachers: Educators can provide valuable insights into how your child is adjusting and offer support within the school setting.
When to Seek Professional Support
While many kids adjust to school stress within a few weeks, some continue to struggle in ways that interfere with their daily life and self-esteem. If your child’s stress is persistent or worsening, it may signal a deeper mental health concern such as anxiety, depression, or another condition that requires professional help.
At Step Forward Health Society, we know how much you want your child to feel happy, confident, and supported at school and at home. We also know that mental health care can be costly, and it isn’t always easy to ask for help when you’re worried about the expense. Please remember—you don’t have to face this alone. If you notice that your child is struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Step Forward is here to support you and your child with compassionate, affordable mental health care.