Concerns over children in Harrogate suffering with anxiety about going back to school
NHS staff in the region are encouraging parents to be alert to signs that children could be experiencing anxiety, distress or low mood as pupils return to school.
Last updated 7th Sep 2020
There's concerns that children across the Harrogate district are suffering in silence ahead of going back to school this week.
The return to classrooms after months away may cause anxiety for some pupils – and those who would like to return but remain stuck at home feeling left out or isolated.
Not knowing how the school year will play out is one of the main worries students are feeling.
Rob Berry, Service Manager for Children and Young People’s Services from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, said: "Going back into school and it not being how they remember it; in bubbles, hand sanitiser everywhere and lots of people wearing masks - it's bound to cause anxiety, fear and confusion.
"It's fine to feel like that but it's how we work with people and how we support them with that experience."
Uncertainty around exams has also raised concerns, particularly for those going into the first year of GCSEs and A Levels.
Mr Berry, added: "We've seen the confusion over the summer and now we're seeing confusion about delaying exams this year. So, not only are they going into important years which will help to determine their future, but they're going into it not knowing exactly when those decisions will be made or how exams will take place."
Parents are being encouraged to speak to their children ahead of the return, as it can help ease the burden of anxiety which some children are facing.
Mr Berry, said: "Young people look towards adults to give them that sense of reassurance, but in school situations those teachers who would normally do that, are also going back into an environment that is unknown to them. So it's important to make sure you have that conversation with your children."
Data from Childline shows that between March and August over 4500 children and young people received counselling sessions – mainly with concerns about returning to school or college.
Over a third of counselling sessions about returning to school or college were in August.