Going back to school – September 2021

Ahead of children across Wales returning to school, NSPCC Cymru/Wales is offering snapshots from young people who have contacted the charity’s Childline service, a quote from a Childline spokesperson, advice for parents and carers, and spokespeople for interview.

Childline snapshots from young people

“I was kicked out of my friendship group just before summer started, over what I’ve no idea: one minute they were good, then they weren’t. I can’t believe how quickly they turned on me. Now all I can think about is when school starts again, I will have to see their smug faces every day. I will hear them laugh and have fun while I’m stuck by myself. I don’t want to be alone. I just want to belong”. (Girl, aged 17, from Wales)

“The past few days, I’ve been feeling an urge to self-harm again. I stopped about two months ago but I’m not doing well with time off school. I don’t know what to do. School is kinda how I get distracted from my own thoughts so I don’t feel so empty while I’m there.(Girl, aged 11, from Wales)

Quote from Childline spokesperson

Louise Israel, a team manager for Childline in Wales, said: “As the school holidays reach an end there will be many children feeling excited about going back to school, but after 18 months of disruption we know from contacts to the NSPCC’s Childline service that for others it will be an anxious time.

“Some children will be feeling worried about starting a new school, especially if they haven’t been able to explore their new surroundings beforehand as they would normally, or they may be concerned about being around a lot of people again.

“Our counsellors at Childline have heard from children worried about bullying, keeping up with schoolwork, recent exam results and from others concerned about their appearance because of physical changes to their body.

“Whatever the reason underpinning their concerns, it’s important children have someone they can talk to, which is why as well as speaking to the trusted adults in their lives, young people can also talk to our Childline counsellors who are there to listen around the clock, 24/7.”

Advice for parents and carers:

It’s common for children to feel nervous about going back to school after the summer holidays, or starting a new school. It may take some time for them to feel happy and comfortable. To help calm their nerves and make sure they’re prepared for the school term you could try:

Readjusting bed times before they go back, to get into a healthy routine

Making sure they aren’t bringing their mobiles, tablets, or any devices to bed that might stop them sleeping

Helping them get the correct clothing or uniform and equipment ready

Making sure they eat breakfast each morning

Talking through the school day with younger children, including playtimes and lunch time

Making sure younger children know who is collecting them after school and from where

What help is available?

Children may find it hard to talk about their concerns, so it’s important parents and carers are patient and supportive until they feel ready to talk about how they feel.

Sometimes children find it hard to talk to a trusted adult they know. They can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice 24/7 on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk. Children can also visit Childline’s Calm Zone, which offers a lot of practical tips and activities on how to destress, and there are moderated message boards where they can find peer support.

Any adults with concerns about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or via help@NSPCC.org.uk.