Is your child worried about school?

Worrying or anxiety is a normal feeling that we all experience from time to time. It can even help us keep safe from harm or help us perform in difficult situations. Sometimes anxiety or excessive worrying can become a problem especially when it stops people doing what they want or need to do.

Many young people worry about school. This is normal. Anxieties are part of life and learning to deal with them is part of growing up. However sometimes a child’s worries may lead to difficulties attending school.

What should you do?

One of the most important ways you can support your child is to calmly listen to them and acknowledge that their fears are real to them. Remind them how important it is to attend school and reassure them that you and the school will work with them to make school a happier place for them.

Tell the school there is a problem as soon as possible and work in partnership with the school to address the issue. A plan will be made with the school to help of your child. Towards the beginning of initiating the plan your child may show more unhappiness and you should prepare yourself for this. It is really important that all adults both at home and school work together to agree on a firm and consistent approach. Any concerns about the plan should not be shared with your child and a positive ‘united front is recommended’.

You may feel tempted to change schools, however research tells us that often difficulties will re-emerge in the new school and whenever possible it is normally better to try to resolve the issue in the current school.

Finally, as a parent it can be difficult to see your child unhappy. Make sure that you have someone to talk too. This could be a friend or family member or an organisation listed below.

Referrals

Students can continue to access Wellbeing support from our qualified practitioners. Referrals can be made through emailing the relevant Student Manager.

Wellbeing services, resources & support

Local Youth & Family Mental Health Services

Kingston Youth & Family Services - kingstonyouth.org.au

Southland Shopping Centre, Cheltenham: 1300 369 436

Information, programs, events, counselling and support for young people aged from 12 to 25 years and their families in the City of Kingston.

Family Life - www.familylife.com.au

Sandringham: 8599 5433 Cheltenham: 8599 5433 Frankston: 9770 0341

Mental Health project for young people 8-14 years of age and their families offering counselling, support, information and education.

headspace Southern - www.headspace.org.au

Bentleigh: 9076 9400 Frankston: 9769 6419

Early intervention service offering mental health, alcohol and other drugs and other specialist support to young people aged from 12 to 25 years.

Financial Support & Assistance

National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007

Open Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm

moneysmart.gov.au =Free tools, tips, guidance and resource

National Helplines

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Free, confidential counselling service available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat.

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Call or chat online with a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night.

Headspace 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

Online and telephone support service that helps young people who don’t feel ready to attend a headspace centre or who prefer to talk about their problems via online chat, email or on the phone.

Parentline: 132289

Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Online Youth Support Forums & websites

Beyond Blue forums are a supportive place to connect with people who are going through similar experiences to you. You can read other people’s stories, ask for advice or share your own experience. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1300 22 4636

ReachOut Forums is a supportive, safe and anonymous space where people care about what's happening for you, because they've been there too. The website offers information and other resources designed specifically for young people. https://au.reachout.com/

Kids Helpline has information and services to support young people through any problems – big or small. https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Headspace has information and services to support a young person going through a tough time. https://headspace.org.au/

ESafety provides education and resources for Australians to encourage safer, more positive experiences online. https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Online Programs and Apps

Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is a free online parenting program, but it doesn't tell you how to be a parent. It's more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. It's all about making Triple P work for you. https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/vic-uken/triple-p/

Bite Back is a free, self-guided online wellbeing and resilience program for young people aged 13–16 years old. It uses a combination of fun, interactive activities, quizzes, animations and information across nine positive psychology domains including gratitude, optimism, flow, meaning, hope, mindfulness, character strengths, healthy lifestyle, and positive relationships.

Brave Program is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety. The programs are free, and provide ways for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries.

MoodGym is free, fun, interactive program helps you identify and overcome problem emotions and shows you how to develop good coping skills for the future.

Student Wellbeing team

Aerobics

Spring Challenge