Managing Children’s Back-to-School Anxiety During COVID-19 Pandemic

Parents and teachers need to be educated to manage children’s anxiety about going back to school. They need to notice signs of emotional distress and understand the benefits of virtual learning.

Highlights:

Children should form a bond with teachers and fellow classmates while remote learning
Parents and teachers need to notice signs of emotional distress in children and help them
Students should be prepared for either in person or remote learning by following certain routines
Schools need to use innovative methods to reach children from underserved communities

Students are preparing to return to school either virtually, in-person or in a hybrid mode. It is crucial for parents and teachers to predict signs of emotional distress in children and ensure comfortable transition of students.

Forming a Bond Between Teachers and Classmates in Remote Learning

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‘Parents and teachers need to keep children engaged during remote learning. Signs of emotional distress should be identified, and children should be prepared to return to school by following routines.’
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Some children really struggle in a virtual school environment while few really thrive. This type of school situation requires a coordination between teachers, parents and school staff to help keep the children connected electronically and socially.

Some tips to keep the students engaged are:

Students should be required to use the video option, to interact with the teachers and fellow classmates
Teachers should encourage group discussions and encourage students who do not speak often to participate
Students and teachers should be familiar with the features of virtual classrooms
Parents can arrange virtual activities like virtual escape rooms and mystery games

Signs of Emotional Distress in Children

Regression in behaviors that were once mastered
Increased separation anxiety
Asking too many questions repeatedly
Participatory students start interacting less
Shifts in class engagement, work performance or attendance is a red flag
Talk to children about recent activities in a way they can understand
Consult therapists if required
Introduce children and teens to apps that educate them about meditation, yoga and guided imagery

Young people may be feeling emotional stress due to reasons other than the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent events like murders of unarmed Black men and women and increased talk about racism can also affect it. It is very important to communicate with children and make them understand the situation.

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Easing the Distress Children Feel

Following routines can ease distress in children. Families need to establish a clear structure and routine in children learning at home.

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Children returning to physical schooling should understand the safety guidelines and know what to expect. They might also feel more comfortable if they can pick out or decorate their masks to wear each day in the classroom.

If various options of learning are available, parents need to discuss with their children about whether they want to pursue in-person, hybrid or virtual learning.

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It is also important for children to list their pros and cons about each option to understand what they feel about each type of learning.

Emotional Pros and Cons of Virtual Learning

Pros

Students tend to pay attention to facial cues
Students improve their technological skills
Typing skills may improve

Cons

Impact some aspects of social and emotional skill building
More difficult to make new friends
More difficult to communicate in groups

Students and teachers may start interacting more once they get comfortable with the virtual platforms.

Unique Challenges of Children in Underserved Communities

Greater risk of food insecurity
Falling behind academically

It is crucial for these children to have at least one supportive parent to ensure they have their basic needs.

Schools should take an initiative through counselors, social workers, nurses and child study teams to reach these students using innovative methods.

In summary, children are going to have an emotionally hard time getting back into school virtually or in person. Parents and schools should communicate effectively to make students engaged and comfortable with the teaching method.

Source-Medindia