When Young People + School = Anxiety

Available with English captions.

School can be stressful at any age, and it’s perfectly natural for K-12 students to experience some level of anxiety. But for some kids and teens, school-related anxiety can grow so intense that it hinders their learning and mental well-being and might even lead them to avoid school altogether.

So how can parents, educators, and other adults recognize when anxiety is creating challenges for the students in their care? What is meant by “school refusal” behavior? And when might professional help be warranted?

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Audience Questions

R. Meredith Elkins, PhD, breaks down what you should know about both typical and unhealthy school-related anxiety, provides an overview of “school refusal” and its treatment, and offers practical tips for helping kids and teens feel less anxious about school.

  • What should we know about anxiety in kids and teens in general?
  • What are some common signs of anxiety in kids? Do these symptoms change as they age?
  • What are some of the main sources of anxiety for kids?
  • Is school anxiety a common form of anxiety for kids and teens?
  • Do different types of anxiety have different symptoms?
  • How can we help children who have a difficult time articulating the sources of their anxiety?
  • What do we know about the prevalence of school anxiety?
  • Is it accurate to say that there is a residual effect from the pandemic on school anxiety?
  • What does the “back to school” time of year bring in terms of challenges?
  • What should we know about how social media factors into school anxiety?
  • What does the term “school refusal” mean?
  • What are some common causes of school refusal?
  • How treatable is school refusal? How does a parent or guardian known when it’s time to reach out for professional help?
  • What are some common co-occurring mental health challenges that are associated with school anxiety?
  • How can a parent start a conversation with their child about school anxiety?
  • When might a parent consider getting in touch with their child’s teacher and school about that child’s anxiety?
  • At what point might an educator take next steps when they notice a child struggling with anxiety? What can those next steps look like?
  • What are some proactive strategies and tools parents can use to help their child manage anxiety before it becomes a larger issue?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

Resources

About Dr. Elkins

R. Meredith Elkins, PhD, is a clinical psychologist specializing in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety, mood, and related disorders in children, adolescents, and young adults. She is experienced in providing evidence-based interventions through individual, group, family, and behavioral parent training formats.

Dr. Elkins is currently a program director at the McLean Anxiety Mastery Program, an intensive group-based outpatient program for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and OCD.

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