Hull mental health expert warns social media adding to return-to-school stress
There are worries more children have been too involved with social media over the summer holidays
A Hull mental health expert is warning that social media is adding to the stress of returning to school.
Parents are being urged to talk openly with children to help ease the pressures of the new term.
Elisha Kemp owns EK psychotherapies - she says young people have been risk of engaging with people they don't know on social media. Elisha said:
"When the six weeks holidays happen in particular, it's such a long amount of time on technology. It might turn out that somebody they've connected with on social media actually goes to their school or goes to a neighbouring school, and then they worry about, will I potentially bump into that person or have to see them face to face.
"Some children are only socialising over social media, so then when they return to school and they're going into a massive environment of loads of people and children, that increases their anxieties as well because they're going back into having to socialise again.
Elisha has this advice - she said:
"I think the main thing is getting them back into a good structure and routine, and then also communication. You need to communicate with each other. Be open and honest, be supportive. Let your child feel heard."
If you are in urgent need to speak to someone please access these services:
• Make an appointment with your GP/ Out of hours GP
• Call Rethink: 0845 456 0455 (Mon – Fri, 10am – 2pm)
• Call The Samaritans (24hr): 116 123
• Text SHOUT to 85258
• Call Saneline: 0845 767 8000 (6pm – 11pm)
• Call CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (Everyday, 5pm – midnight)
• Call Maytree: 020 7263 7070 (www.maytree.org.uk)
• Your local crisis service - opening times - 24/7
• Call NHS Direct on 111