As a School Counselor/Teacher/School Social Worker- Supporting Students Through Back to School Anxiety

(Visit our resource page for transition books/items that help)

As school social workers, we remember the time very vividly. Admittedly, we’d even get the first day jitters every year and we’ve heard the same feedback from teachers and other school staff. As we know, before students walk through the school doors, many are already carrying invisible worries. Some are excited to reunite with friends and teachers, while others are navigating uncertainty, fear, and overwhelming anxiety about a new school year. We are lucky that we have access to kids we wouldn’t normally have access to if we were in a clinic setting and have a unique opportunity to create a sense of safety and belonging that can set the tone for a student's entire year.

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety

Back to school anxiety doesn't always look like nervousness for all kids. Students may express anxiety in a variety of ways depending on their age, developmental stage, and previous experiences. You might be unfamiliar with the signs if you’re new to the school setting or new to a development age within your job.

Some common signs include:

~Frequent visits to the nurse without a medical explanation

~Difficulty separating from caregivers

~Increased irritability or emotional outbursts

~Withdrawal from peers or classroom activities

~Difficulty concentrating

~Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes

~Changes in sleep or appetite

~Avoidance of school or frequent absences

Remember that behavior is often communication. A student who appears oppositional or disengaged may actually be communicating feelings of fear or emotional distress.

Create Emotional Safety First

Students learn best when they feel emotionally safe. During the first weeks of school, prioritize relationship building before expecting perfect academic engagement. Pro tip this is true for all kids in the school setting not just the ones assigned to you!

Simple ways to grow safety include:

~Learning and correctly pronouncing students' names (hint: write it out phonetically on your notes so you don’t mess it up)

~Greeting students consistently each day (a fist bump goes a long way even in high school if its coupled with an eye roll)

~Creating predictable routines

~Validating emotions without immediately trying to "fix" them

~Offering choices when appropriate to increase students' sense of control

Teach Coping Skills Early

Rather than waiting until students are overwhelmed, proactively teach coping strategies during the first weeks of school.

Consider introducing:

Grounding Techniques

~5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise

~Deep belly breathing (this can easily be made to a fun game with littles)

~Progressive muscle relaxation

Cognitive Strategies

~Identifying anxious thoughts

~Challenging unhelpful thinking patterns

~Replacing "What if?" thoughts with "What can I do right now?"

Self-Regulation Skills

~Movement breaks

~Mindfulness activities

~Calm corners or regulation stations

~Positive self talk

Practice these skills when students are calm so they are more accessible during moments of stress.

Normalize Worries

Students often believe they are the only ones experiencing worries. Helping students understand that worries are a normal response to change can reduce feelings of shame.

An idea of what to say:

"Starting something new can make our brains feel unsure. That doesn't mean something is wrong with you it means your brain is trying to keep you safe. Together, we can help it learn that school is a safe place."

Partner With Families

Families are valuable partners in supporting students through transitions.

Consider encouraging caregivers to:

~Maintain consistent sleep routines

~Prepare for the school day the night before

~Encourage independence while providing reassurance

~Validate children's emotions without reinforcing avoidance

~Communicate concerns early with school staff

Regular communication between home and school helps create consistency for students experiencing anxiety.

Collaborate With School Staff

Teachers are often the first to notice changes in behavior.

Provide staff with practical strategies such as:

~Offering discreet check-ins

~Allowing brief regulation breaks

~Using predictable classroom routines

~Reinforcing effort rather than perfection

~Avoiding public correction when possible

Small classroom accommodations can significantly reduce anxiety while promoting student success.

Know When Additional Support Is Needed

While mild anxiety is common during school transitions, some students may require additional intervention. Consider further assessment or referral when anxiety:

~Persists beyond the adjustment period

~Significantly interferes with learning

~Causes frequent school refusal

~Leads to panic attacks

~Results in significant social withdrawal

~Impacts daily functioning across settings

Lastly,

The first few weeks of school are about more than schedules and academic expectations, they are about helping students believe they belong. Every warm greeting, calm conversation, coping strategy, and supportive relationship sends a powerful message:

"You are safe here. You are seen. We will help you succeed."

As safe adults, our presence can be the steady foundation students need to navigate uncertainty with confidence. By fostering emotional safety, teaching practical coping skills, and partnering with families and educators, we help transform back to school anxiety into an opportunity for growth, resilience, and connection.