How to manage back-to-school anxiety and stress

As the 2025 academic year starts, Affinity Health discusses the importance of managing children’s back-to-school anxiety.

CEO of Affinity Health, Murray Hewlett said, “According to the World Health Organisation, one in seven young people worldwide faces a mental health disorder, with school-related anxieties frequently impacting both attendance and social interaction.”

Parents and caregivers can implement these practical tips to make returning to school a positive experience:

1. Create a consistent routine, as this will provide a sense of stability, making transitions easy and, therefore, reducing stress.

2. Communicating openly; feeling heard and understood can have a positive impact.

3. Sleeping is vital to mental health therefore lack of can reduce the feelings of anxiety.

4. Encouraging positive talk can boost both kids and children’s confidence and reduce doubt.

5. Taking breaks is good because school can be stressful. Breaks while studying help reduce stress and help you stay focused.

6. Social connections and interactions can help learners feel more comfortable encouraging them to build a support network that they can count on.

7. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises can help learners manage their anxiety, this also forms a part of self-care and lifelong tools for managing stress

8. Seeking professional help from a mental health professional is a constructive step when dealing with anxiety.

Therapists can provide tools and coping strategies tailored to a child’s unique needs to help with the challenges
Common symptoms of back-to-school anxiety include reluctance to go to school, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, frequent complaints of stomach aches or headaches, social withdrawal or irritability and a decline in academic performance.

Parents, teachers and mental health professionals can support their children in looking out for the mentioned symptoms. This will encourage going back to school and it being seamless.