Workload and bullying among children's back to school concerns
Childline is carrying out counselling sessions over worries about the new school term.
We're hearing more than 2,200 calls to Childline last year were from children anxious about going back to school and the new school term.
Worries include getting overwhelmed by the work, starting a new school, fears around bullying and making new friends.
The NSPCC is sharing some of the experiences of the young people they've spoken to.
“I’m terrified to go back to school – I feel like I don’t belong there. I feel so apart from everyone else, like they’re constantly judging me. My friends don’t understand me and invalidate my feelings.
"I need someone to take me seriously and actually listen to how much I’m struggling. Thank you for being here for me.” Girl, aged 17 from Wales
Louise Israel, Childline Team Manager at NSPCC Cymru, said: “Whilst for some children going back to school can be an exciting return to a routine, learning and seeing their friends, for others they may feel anxious or apprehensive.”
“The number of children who contact Childline on this issue increases in the summer holidays and includes a wide range of concerns like bullying, making new friends or their workload.
“School should be a place where children can be comfortable and reach their full potential. Whilst it’s a normal part of growing up to have these worries, young people should feel supported in working through them.
“If any child is feeling apprehensive about going back to school, our trained Childline counsellors are here 24/7 over the phone and online.”