Back-to-school help is available
The back-to-school nerves have well and truly kicked in for many students, from the little tykes to senior schoolers. Like young birds learning to fly, the fear of leaving the nest at the beginning of the year — the familiarity and comfort of the home environment — and stepping into the unknown, is a natural point of worry.
Young people have a lot to contend with. Starting a new school, navigating social dynamics, meeting teachers, learning new information, and managing academic performance expectations, is enough on its own. When combined with body and identity changes — hormonal fluctuations, growing pains, and finding your sense of self — and also coping with any personal and home stresses, young people face a monumental set of pressures and adaptive challenges. And that’s under ordinary circumstances.
But things are a little different now, and parents and carers may be worried, too, as we move through the next phase of the pandemic in WA. The announcement of the State’s safe return to school plan this week provided some relief. Though we’re yet to see how it will be put into effect on the ground. And the plan fell short of considering the emotional and mental wellbeing needs of students, teachers and school staff.
Increased stress and anxiety have been a defining characteristic of the past two years, and more parents have been seeking help for their own and their children’s mental health needs. A recent survey found that more than 60 per cent of parents in Australia have experienced higher levels of concern about the mental health of their children as a result of pandemic stress. Though some protective measures can be adopted.
It’s important for children to share their feelings, and express their worries in a safe environment. School counsellors, chaplains, support staff, student buddies and mentors are all excellent resources in schools. Routines and plans matter, too. Including children in planning at home is a great way to connect as a family, and hear about what matters to them. We can expect periods of remote learning will be required for some students, under certain circumstances.
As a parent or carer, it’s impossible to do it all — work from home, look after children, manage your own health, and also become your child’s educator — so, give yourself permission to drop the ball. Now’s a good time to talk to your employer about contingency plans. And remember, the power of community cannot be underestimated at this time — it’s our biggest asset.
Parents can find a stack of helpful information online about mental health and COVID from organisations such as Beyond Blue, Kids Help Line and Emerging Minds. Additionally, Kids Help Line offers a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people aged five to 25 years. The service provides confidential support with experienced counsellors over the phone, email or webchat, to anyone in Australia.
Aboriginal health services are often localised, and the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia provides a list of their member medical and health organisations across WA on their website. And for people who speak English as a second language, the Australian Government offers free translating and interpreting services, which can assist people to access the right advice and information for their health needs.
Remember, some nerves and worry is normal for children, though debilitating fear is not. If you notice changes in your child’s behaviour or mood, or are feeling anxious or down yourself, support is available. Please reach out.
Beyond Blue (coronavirus support): 1800 512 348 Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 Lifeline: 13 11 14 Ngala Parenting Line: 08 9368 9368 (metro), 1800 111 546 (regional)
This article was first published in The West Australian in Renée Gardiner’s weekly column in Agenda, 29 January 2022.