Back-to-school season is an exciting time filled with new opportunities, but it can also be a source of significant anxiety for many students. This anxiety, if left unchecked, can have a profound impact on a student’s ability to learn and succeed academically. Anxiety can lead to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making—skills that are essential for effective learning. In addition to these cognitive challenges, anxiety can also manifest in physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, making the transition back to school even more daunting.
Calm children may get anxious at the beginning of the school year. Meanwhile, increased tension and clinginess may be experienced by people who already deal with anxiety. Parents can also experience similar pains, particularly when their child is weeping and needs to be left at school. Students do not just experience these feelings. These anxiety attacks may be made worse by the social dynamics of school, such as figuring out a new campus, recalling locker combinations, or fearing that you won’t fit in at lunch or physical education.
The prevalence of anxiety among children and adolescents is a growing concern. According to an article published in the Western Journal of Medicine, anxiety is the most common psychiatric problem in children, with as many as 10 percent of children worldwide experiencing anxiety. This rate increases to between 12 and 20 percent in the United States.
The situation is even more severe for older students, with over 31 percent of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 struggling with anxiety disorders. If not addressed, clinical anxiety can have far-reaching consequences, affecting academic performance, social interactions, and family dynamics.
Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston, a nonprofit education organization, stresses the need to begin the school year with a well-thought-out game plan to assist families in navigating these obstacles. CIS is committed to enabling all students, regardless of color or socioeconomic status, to reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond. Beginning with Pre-K, the organization offers many services that benefit kids and their families.
Full-time student support managers are integrated into every CIS partner institution and provide these services. These managers provide access to mental health resources, counseling, academic support, and health and human services. Additionally, through its network of more than 300 community partners, which includes social service agencies, CIS provides customized referrals to community resources for families and students.
“We take a holistic approach to our work and recognize the importance of family engagement in a student’s success,” says Lisa Descant, CEO of Communities In Schools of Houston. “CIS helps bridge the gap for tens of thousands of at-risk students who may need extra academic help, mental health services, dentist visits, and college prep and workforce readiness opportunities. Our research-based model works—99% of CIS students stay in school, while 98% of our high school seniors graduate.”
Descant says students face various pressures, including academic challenges, anxiety, depression, unstable home environments, financial issues, and bullying. “With a new school year starting, our staff of trained social work professionals and mental health counselors offer guidance for parents and students in navigating challenges and opportunities on our school campuses.”
To ensure a successful start to the school year, CIS offers practical tips for parents, guardians, and students:
Stay Positive
When discussing the return to school with your child, address their concerns or anxieties. Express confidence in their ability to succeed and use positive, encouraging language to foster a “can do” attitude.
Be Organized
Ensure that your child has all the necessary school supplies from day one. Being well-prepared can reduce nervousness. Review important information about transportation, schedules, and back-to-school activities, and establish a daily routine.
Encourage Good Study Habits
Help your child set homework goals at the beginning of the school year. Consistent study habits improve grades and teach valuable life skills like goal-setting and perseverance.
Make Attendance a Priority
Regular school attendance is crucial for success. Encourage your child to attend school daily to avoid falling behind, especially in fundamental subjects like reading and math.
Prioritize Sleep, Exercise, and Nutrition
Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats healthy meals, stays hydrated, and engages in regular physical activity. These factors are vital for optimal school performance.
Monitor Mental Health
Pay attention to your child’s mental health. Encourage open conversations about their feelings and watch for changes in behavior. If needed, seek support from CIS Student Support Managers, who can provide counseling and referrals to appropriate resources.
