It’s normal for children and young people to feel worried and uneasy about something related to school -for example, during exams, when delivering a school presentation, transfering schools, etc. These are all experiences that can make them feel nervous. However, when the feelings of anxiety are experienced constantly and they’re interfering with the kid’s quality of life, it’s clearly a sign that deserves the attention of caregivers and educators.
Sometimes, school can be challenging or overwhelming, becoming a source of anxiety for many kids and teenagers. The reasons for this are varied: large groups of people, academic pressure, social challenges, the fear of failure, among others. Experiencing any of these situations can cause students of all ages to feel distressed at the thought of even stepping foot on campus.
It’s important to note that growing anxiety can manifest in various ways besides the fear of attending school; it can involve difficulty concentrating, or even physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. For parents and teachers, understanding the roots of school anxiety and adopting effective strategies is essential to help students navigate their emotions and thrive in their educational journey. In this article, we will take a look at the causes of anxiety at school and provide helpful strategies for parents -and teachers- to support students’ mental health.
As a parent or caregiver, you might wonder what activities you can incorporate to keep the little ones’ development while having a great time together. Let’s see them.
Counseling services at ISP
Before starting, we would like to remind our community that at ISP we provide Counseling Services for all our students. We work together with parents and caregivers to offer resources for contributing to our children and teenagers’ healthy development in the areas of their academic and social emotional learning. Thus, we are committed to deliver opportunities in which they can receive the support they need.
ISP counselors are qualified to respond to the needs of students with sensitivity and human warmth, supporting the creation of a healthy school environment where children and adolescents can feel comfortable and open up about their emotions. Our goal is to empower students to learn, grow and thrive in a safe school scenario and we understand that this is only possible when we mind our community’s mental care.
All members of our institution operate in an integrated manner, so as a network we are always attentive to each of our students and their needs; but, please note that if there’s something that we’re missing and it concerns a student who’s s dealing with anxiety or any type of struggle, we are always ready to address the problem and seek the best possible solutions as a team.
Let’s talk now about anxiety in the school context and learn some different strategies that can be implemented to manage it.
What is school anxiety
School anxiety often arises from a combination of factors, including academic stress, peer relationships, and changes in routine. For children, the transition from home to school or the fear of separation from parents can be overwhelming. Meanwhile, teenagers may experience anxiety due to increased academic expectations, social dynamics, or concerns about their future.
Symptoms of school anxiety vary but often include reluctance to attend school, excessive worry, restlessness, and even physical complaints such as nausea or fatigue. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. For parents and teachers, a collaborative approach that combines emotional support and practical interventions can make a significant difference in helping students cope.
Recommendations for parents, caregivers and teachers
Tips for parents to help children and teenagers
The most important thing to understand as a parent is that patience and tolerance are crucial when it comes to helping our children overcome obstacles that are affecting their mental health. We must not allow our frustration to make them feel guilty or ashamed, as this can make things worse and close off opportunities for dialogue.
Instead of having that kind of reaction and behavior, here are some recommendations:
1. Create a safe environment
Establish open communication with your child or teenager, ensuring they feel comfortable sharing their feelings. Validate their emotions without judgment and encourage them to express their fears or concerns without minimizing them. This is super important as your kid will find in you a safe space and will build or reaffirm the confidence to open up.
For younger children, this might involve using storytelling or drawing to help them articulate their feelings, while teenagers may benefit from one-on-one conversations.
2. Be a committed, supportive parent or caregiver
We understand that due to the fast pace of life, many parents cannot be present the way they would like in their children’s routines; however, this is not what we mean when we talk about commitment. What we mean is that it is important that in the quality time you share with your children, you show interest and support them.
Praise small achievements, such as attending school for a full day or completing an assignment. It’s not about being condescending at all, but rather about building the trust and self confidence necessary for them to want to keep taking steps forward.
It’s also important that you maintain communication with teachers. Working closely with the school community will help you monitor your child’s progress and ensure consistent support both at home and school.
3. Encourage problem-solving skills
Teach your child or teenager to break down challenges into manageable steps. For example, if they’re anxious about an upcoming test, help them create a study schedule or suggest practice sessions.
You can help your kid to brainstorm solutions to daily-life’s problems as well, so they know that we can approach certain obstacles proactively, reducing feelings of helplessness.
4. Develop consistency and stability
You can do this by establishing a consistent routine: this can provide them with a sense of stability and predictability, which can reduce anxiety. Ensure that mornings are calm and organized, minimizing last-minute stressors like a rushed breakfast. A consistent bedtime routine also helps regulate sleep, a critical factor in managing anxiety.
5. Limit exposure to stressful triggers
Some stressful triggers can come from creating unrealistic expectations about oneself. These affect our perception of value and make us feel like we are not enough and have to meet certain standards to be appreciated. You can talk to your kid and explain that we all have particularities that highlight our individuality and that is absolutely fine.
Also, try to identify specific triggers of anxiety that your kid might experience, such as social media comparisons, excessive extracurricular commitments, or unrealistic expectations of themselves and others. As a coping mechanism for these sources of anxiety, encourage a balanced lifestyle that includes time for relaxation, hobbies, and physical activity to counteract stress.
6. Seek professional help when needed
If school anxiety persists despite efforts at home, we suggest you consult a mental health professional for guidance who can provide tailored strategies to address anxiety and teach coping mechanisms. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term impacts on mental health, so we emphasize this aspect, remembering again that our school community is an ally throughout this process.
Tips for teachers to support students
1. Foster an inclusive classroom environment
Teachers play a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where tolerance and respect for eachother are key. By promoting such a space, chances of having social challenges like bullying or exclusion might be reduced.
Advocate for inclusivity by encouraging teamwork, celebrating diversity, and addressing these problems -bullying or exclusion- promptly. A classroom where students feel valued and safe reduces anxiety significantly.
2. Provide clear expectations and instructions
Ambiguity can heighten anxiety, especially for students who fear making mistakes. Offer clear instructions for assignments, provide examples, and allow students to ask questions without judgment. Breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps can make them feel more manageable.
3. Be attentive to nonverbal cues
Some students may not verbalize their anxiety but show it through body language, such as avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, or withdrawing from group activities. Pay attention to these cues and approach students gently to offer support.
It’s also important to consider possible neurodivergence conditions in the classroom. Some neurodivergent students express their discomfort in nonverbal but physical ways or are prone to feeling frustrated easily. Understanding neurodivergence not as a challenge in teaching practices, but as an opportunity to implement inclusive education strategies can help create a supportive classroom environment that favors other types of learners.
4. Incorporate stress-relief activities
Integrating mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, or physical activities into the school day can help students manage stress. For younger children, this might involve fun activities like yoga or storytelling breaks, while teenagers may benefit from guided meditations or journaling exercises.
5. Encourage peer support
Foster a sense of community by encouraging students to support one another. Peer mentoring programs, group projects, or buddy systems can help students feel less isolated and build positive relationships. Knowing they have allies among their peers can alleviate social anxiety.
When to seek professional support
While many cases of school anxiety can be managed with the above strategies, some students may require additional support. If anxiety interferes with daily life, such as frequent school absences, severe physical symptoms, or declining academic performance, seeking professional help is crucial.
As we mentioned before, in our community we are committed to the comprehensive development of our students and their mental health, so we seek to collaborate in finding the solutions required for each child or adolescent’s case. Thus, on our team, we have 8 counselors with extensive experience in child and youth development who have the ability, warmth, and commitment to address situations that require support for any of our students. As an integrated community, we will always seek to contribute to their well-being and emotional stability, because we care.
