Study Reveals Kids Experience Mental Health Challenges As They Return To School

The first months of back to school can be nerve wracking for kids and parents. A recent national survey reveals most parents believe their children will experience mental health challenges as they return to the classroom.

Jaelyn Ziegler had remote kindergarten because of the pandemic. Returning to the classroom for first grade was a big transition for her and others. Her mother, Erin Ziegler, says, “She experienced some bullying just because some of those kids it was their first time around other students, they kind of had been confined to their own homes a year before, and they just weren't used to that kind of interaction.”

Now that second grade is here, Jaelyn's mom has additional concerns. “On top of the bullying is that their education isn't really up to speed because it was a lot on us parents to teach them during those years. Some other concerns like explaining to them certain emergencies and the pandemic,” Erin says.

The survey conducted on behalf of the children's mental health movement "On Our Sleeves" shows 79% of parents believe their children will face challenges back to school this fall.

“The top three challenges the parents shared with us were safety concerns, bullying, and then just continued social difficulties because of the pandemic,” says Ariana Hoet, PhD, clinical director of On Our Sleeves and pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Dr. Hoet says these concerns can affect a child's mental health which can then make learning and socializing with peers more difficult. She recommends families have a daily check in. “Even if you're not worried, it's just to build the habit and that relationship with your child. We also have a back-to-school conversation starter. So open ended questions for parents to ask their children about how they're feeling, what they're nervous about,” she says.

Erin Ziegler says she works with her daughter "on explaining words for different emotions." They also do activities like talking walks and reading to help decrease stress.

"On Our Sleeves" put together a Back-to-School Mental health Checklist, CLICK HERE.