The phrase “back to school” can make even the most motivated pupils feel anxious.
Nicholette Leanza, a licensed counselor who specializes in helping youth manage stress, gives parents and pupils coping mechanisms.
According to Leanza, it’s crucial to establish a regular schedule, maintain open channels of communication, and recognize any indications of difficulty.
In addition to physical health, mental health should be prioritized.
According to Leanza, having excellent mental health is a prerequisite for having good physical health.
Since Leanza started practicing in 1995 and during her school years, a lot has changed for children, including the impact of social media.
In the past, a damaging rumor could spread among five or six people at the school. It now reaches millions of people online, often with inappropriate or even phony images. Additionally, it is permanent and cannot be painted over, in contrast to graffiti scribbled on a wall.
Stress levels rise when you combine this with the urge to blend in and do well in school.
In Ohio, over 100,000 high school students report having experienced depression, and one in three students claim they have experienced anxiety.
A study by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce found that suicide rates among those aged 10 to 24 rose by 57% even prior to the COVID pandemic.
According to the report, young people’s anxiety and depression symptoms increased over the 2020–22 pandemic years.
During the first few weeks of school, most students have the jitters, especially if they are starting a new school with unfamiliar routines, but they quickly grow used to it, according to Leanza.
Parents should be on the lookout for indications that the worry is excessive and may need seeking professional assistance.
According to Leanza, this is why it’s crucial to continue having nonjudgmental conversations instead of adopting a “get over it” mindset.
According to the counselor, social isolation, losing friends, and poor academic performance can all be indicators of problems.
Leanza recommended that parents establish a regular routine with earlier bedtimes as a practical measure. It’s also beneficial to put electronics away thoroughly before turning out the lights.
Leanza said that teenagers require more sleep, and she supports later start times and flexible scheduling for high schools.
Teens, like the majority of us, occasionally need to relax and do nothing; this is known as “bed rotting,” according to Leanza.
According to experts, a day or two of this is good, but extended seclusion can be detrimental.
Parents must also understand that friendships are now defined differently.
According to Leanza, children who play video games a lot may have a global community of friends, and young people might form close bonds with others they meet online.
Leanza came to the conclusion that parents can set a good example for their kids and acknowledge that they may have their own back-to-school fears that require discussion.
