AS pupils in Wales prepare to return to school, Childline, a service run by the NSPCC, is addressing the concerns many children and parents may have faced during the holidays.
Childline offers support 24/7 through a helpline, online chat and email. Children can reach out anonymously for help with issues like bullying, abuse, and mental health. Trained volunteers and staff provide essential support, funded by donations, and work to make a positive impact on child protection. This has led to an astonishing 16,300 counselling sessions, a month, last year.
In 2023 and 2024, Childline provided 2,283 counselling sessions related to returning to school, with over a third of these sessions occurring in August or September. Of these, 54% were with 12-15 year olds. Additionally, Childline handled 7,801 sessions on education concerns, including exam stress and workload. The service is aware that some children may be anxious about returning to or starting a new school this September and wants to remind them that trained counsellors are available to help, ensuring they don’t have to face their worries alone.
Starting at a new school, whether it’s secondary school or college, brings a variety of challenges for many young people. They face increased demands to achieve good grades and choose the right subjects during critical years, like Year 1/key stage 4 and Year 13/key stage 5. Making new friends, adjusting to a different routine, and coping with fears of getting lost or being late are common concerns that Childline helps with. Some students worry about how changes in their appearance will be received and the impact of new teachers or staff. Neurodivergent pupils might feel overwhelmed by sensory input or social interactions, while others juggle new responsibilities at home or work alongside school commitments. Despite these worries, many students are excited to return, valuing the support they receive from their teachers and peers.
For parents and children who feel anxious about the new school year, there are several strategies to ease the transition. Parents can encourage open communication by asking their children to write down their feelings about returning to school. This exercise can lead to meaningful discussions about their concerns and help parents better support their children. It’s also important for parents to listen to their children’s worries without offering advice immediately, which can help children feel heard and understood. Working together to find practical solutions and reminding children that adjusting to school takes time can also be helpful. Additionally, ensuring that children participate in activities they enjoy during the school term can reduce anxiety and help maintain a balanced routine.
For children, sharing worries with a trusted adult is important. They can also take proactive steps, such as writing down what excites and worries them about school. Preparing in advance, like packing their bags and getting their uniforms ready, can give them a sense of control and readiness. Using resources like the Childline online mood journal can help them process their emotions. Staying connected with friends and family and engaging in physical activities are also effective ways to manage stress.
Louise Israel, Childline Team Manager at NSPCC Cymru highlights the mix of emotions children face “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 manager also noted that concerns raised with Childline increase significantly over the summer, ranging from worries about bullying and making new friends to managing the academic 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.” they added. “If any child is feeling apprehensive about going back to school, our trained Childline counsellors are here 24/7 over the phone and online.”
From the perspective of young people, a 17-year-old girl from Wales shared her feelings of isolation and anxiety about returning to school. “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.” This statement highlights the emotional struggles some students may experience while dealing with social situations in school.
Childline is a valuable resource for children and young people who need support. It also helps parents understand their children’s needs more. You can contact Childline at 0800 1111 or have a 1-2-1 chat on the Childline website. With these resources and strategies, both parents and children can better handle the challenges of returning to school, leading to a smoother transition and a more positive experience.
