By Emily Johnson, MSW, LICSW, School Based Mental Health Supervisor
It’s common to see an increase in school-related anxiety early in the academic year. New teachers, unfamiliar routines, academic expectations, and reduced downtime can all be challenging for students. Recent incidents of school violence both locally and nationally may be contributing to heightened anxiety, fear, and uncertainty among students and families. School anxiety can stem from a range of factors, including academic pressure or learning challenges, peer relationship difficulties or bullying, separation anxiety, family stressors, mental health needs, neurodiversity, special education transitions, or unmet support needs.
Students experiencing anxiety may express it in various ways:
- Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
- Difficulty focusing or engaging in class
- Reluctance to participate in activities or social interactions
- Bigger behaviors such as tantrums, noncompliance, clinging, aggression, or frequent absences
Here are some tips for how to help your child navigate anxiety:
Be Curious
Understanding the root of anxiety helps us respond with empathy and effectiveness. Is there a pattern—certain days, times, subjects, or environments that trigger distress? Are there peer dynamics at play (e.g., bullying, isolation, lunchroom or bus issues)? Are there perceived benefits to staying home (e.g., screen time, parental attention)? Are mental health, learning differences, or trauma contributing?
Beware of the Avoidance Trap
Anxiety often leads to avoidance, which can feel relieving in the moment but reinforces fear in the long-term. For example, a student avoiding their morning work due may soothe their anxious feelings about their morning work in the short term. But over time, avoidance strengthens the belief that the task is too hard, making future attempts even more difficult.
Build Brave Behaviors
“Being brave isn’t the absence of fear, it’s having that fear and finding a way through it. ” – Bear Grylls
Kids need both compassion and challenge. They deserve patience and support and opportunities to face discomfort in manageable ways to build resilience. Here are a few strategies to try that encourage brave behavior:
- Acknowledge the emotion: “It looks like you’re feeling worried about morning work. ”
- Offer a small step: “Can we sit together and just try the first page?”
- Celebrate effort over outcome: Praise any brave behavior, no matter how small.
- Use growth-oriented language: If a child says, “I can’t do this, ” respond with, “You’re right, it’s hard and we can try it together, ” or “You might not be able to do it yet, but let’s give it a shot. ”
Seek Help
While encouragement and support at home are essential, some challenges are too big to face alone and that’s okay. If your child’s anxiety is interfering with their daily functioning, school attendance, or emotional well-being, professional help can make a meaningful difference.
At Canvas Health, we understand the complex needs of children and families navigating anxiety, trauma, school struggles, and other mental health concerns. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help kids thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Whether your family needs in-school support, therapy, parenting resources, or crisis intervention, we’re here to walk alongside you with tools that heal and empower. Click here to learn more and see how we can help >>
