Dreading the thought of going back to school? We’re here to help…
I Hate School
Most people feel like this at some point. The first step is finding out why you don’t like school. Is it the routine? A certain classmate? A lesson you find difficult or boring? Whatever the reason, it’s important to talk about it with a parent or teacher. They may be able to help you work out a way to cope with it. If you hate maths, for example, because you find it difficult, your school may be able to offer you extra tuition.
You might never fully enjoy school but you can look for ways to make it more tolerable. Look for the positives. Is there a specific subject or class you quite like? Aim to make the most of these lessons. Remember, we can’t all be good at everything so don’t beat yourself up. Someone who struggles with science could be a whizz at IT while the person next to them knows the periodic table like the back of their hand but has no idea how to make a PowerPoint. Moral of the story? We all have our own strengths and weaknesses.
I Don’t Have Any Friends
Not having friends can be the loneliest feeling in the world. This can feel especially isolating at school when you’re surrounded by groups of people your own age but don’t have a connection with any of them. It can feel scary to reach out and talk to people but you’ll find it easier every time you do it. Try smiling at someone in the corridor or start up a conversation with the person sitting next to you in class. Take a deep breath and remember to be yourself.
You could also join an after-school club or group to meet new people who like the same things you do. Having something in common like a hobby makes it easier to chat. For more help on making friends, click here.
I’m Scared Of Catching Covid
Lots of us are still very worried about catching covid and it’s perfectly normal to have anxieties about returning to a busy school after the holidays. You might also feel worried about being put under peer pressure to ‘ditch’ the mask from friends and classmates. Remember, your school will be doing everything they can to keep their students and staff safe, but it might make you feel better to have your own covid care pack – ask a parent if you can pack your own sanitiser, wipes and mask in your school bag. It can also help to talk to a parent or friend about how you’re feeling to help you deal with your anxieties. For more help on fearing going back to school during the pandemic, click here.
I’m Being Bullied
Bullying is never OK. It might seem scary, but the first step is to talk about it. You’ll feel so much better once you’ve opened up about the situation. Talk to a parent, a teacher, or another adult you trust about what’s happening to get the help you need.
Your trusted adult may need to take further steps to ending the bullying for good. It might be necessary to set up a meeting with your school or to report the matter to the police in cases where a crime has been committed, such as racial abuse. Whatever the course of action required, you will feel better for having someone on your side, fighting back and banishing the bullies for good.
For more advice on dealing with bullying at school, click here.
I Feel Pressured
What is it about school that’s making you feel stressed? Is it a particular lesson, the amount of homework you receive or exam stress? Once you’ve pinpointed the problem, you can talk to a parent or teacher about how to fix it. You may be able to adjust your timetable or to get extra help with a class you find difficult, or the school may be able to reduce your homework load if it feels overwhelming. Talking about the way you’re feeling is the best way to get help with it. There might not be any quick fixes, but there should be ways to ease the pressure you’re feeling. Worried about exam results? Click here for advice.
