A Growing Concern

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of schoolchildren, leading to a surge in anxiety and stress. This has contributed to chronic absenteeism, leaving both children and parents struggling to cope with the start of a new school year.

Experts advise parents to be vigilant and look for signs of anxiety in their children, such as difficulty concentrating, tension, fidgeting, sleep problems, and persistent complaints about not feeling well.

Dr. Samantha Boardman, a positive psychiatrist based in New York, suggests that facing fears head-on is crucial in mitigating these negative feelings. She emphasizes that avoiding the source of anxiety can actually worsen the problem. Instead, she recommends exposing children to their fears in a controlled manner to help them overcome them.

Data from the American Psychological Association reveals a concerning trend, with reports of anxiety in children nearly doubling from 2012 to 2020. This increase, from 11.6% to 20.5%, suggests that anxiety was already a growing issue before the pandemic further exacerbated the situation.

Furthermore, data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates a staggering 78% of public schools reported unnecessary absences during the 2023-2024 school year, highlighting a potential correlation between anxiety and absenteeism.

Technology, particularly smartphones, also plays a significant role in the mental health of young people. A study revealed that 44% of teens experience anxiety related to their phone use. Dr. Boardman attributes this to the constant comparison and pressure young people face on social media.

To address this issue, Dr. Boardman recommends setting limits and boundaries around phone use. This includes restricting phone use in schools, bedrooms at night, and during meals to prioritize family time and improve sleep quality.

By understanding the signs of anxiety and implementing strategies to manage it, parents can help their children cope with the challenges of the new school year and promote their overall mental well-being.