The start of a new school year can intensify feelings of anxiety, and as a parent, knowing how to support your child socially, and when to reach out can make a difference. A 2025 study found that anxiety and depression among US children and adolescents rose steadily between 2016 and 2022 (Casseus et al., 2025). With the increase in depression and anxiety among children and adolescents, there are things parents can do to help.
What’s Typical and When to Notice
Some back-to-school anxiety is normal. Butterflies, clinginess, trouble sleeping the night before, or shyness in new settings are all normal responses to a big change. Children need routine and belonging, and the start of a school year can disrupt both. For most kids, anxiety will calm down as the new environment becomes familiar.
When the anxiety doesn’t ease up or gets worse, you can look for certain behaviors. Pay attention if your child has recurring stomachaches or headaches on school mornings, begins resisting or refusing to go to school, comes home consistently withdrawn or tearful, or shows a significant drop in interest in things they used to enjoy. When it comes to anxiety, duration and intensity matter. One hard morning looks very different from six hard weeks.
The Social Piece
For many children, the most difficult part of going back to school isn’t schoolwork, it’s social pressure. Belonging is an important part of mental health. Research published in 2022 found that support from peers, teachers, and other trusted adults is important for their success at school and home. The more sources of connection a child has, the stronger they are mentally (Gillan et al., 2022).
Children are not always direct in communicating struggles with friends and school. For parents, that means it’s important to watch for changes in behavior. A child who is struggling socially may grow quiet after school or avoid talking about their day altogether. It’s important to note the difference between a child who is introverted and recharges with less social time than one who wants connection but hasn’t been able to find it. Both are valid and call for different kinds of support.
What Parents Can Do
Parents can create a low-pressure space after school to help children with anxiety. A simple approach would be to ask: “What was one good part of your day? Was there anything hard?” Then listen as they talk. It is important to validate what they share before offering solutions. Kids are more likely to keep opening up to you when they feel heard.
Your child’s teacher can be a valuable resource. Teachers observe your child’s social world in ways we as parents do not. A brief check-in can give you a fuller picture. Things parents can ask the teacher are whether your child is engaging with peers, joining in at recess, or is comfortable in group settings.
Outside of school, one-on-one time with a friend is far less overwhelming for an anxious child than navigating a large group. Planning activities such as an art class, a trip to the library or to a local park, will lower social worries by giving kids a shared focus and a reason to connect in a less overwhelming setting.
When to Seek Help
If your child’s anxiety is interfering with daily routines or school attendance, if strategies at home don’t seem to be working, or if your child is expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, it may be time to ask for additional support. A good first step is reaching out to your child’s pediatrician, school counselor, or a licensed child therapist.
Seeking help is one of the most proactive things you can do for your child’s wellbeing. Most children do find their footing. With parent support they don’t have to do it alone.
References
Casseus, M., et al. (2025). Anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems among US children and adolescents, 2016–2022. Infant and Child Development.
Gillan, C., et al. (2022). The contributing role of family, school, and peer supportive relationships in protecting the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents. School Mental Health.
*This article is intended for general informational purposes. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, please consult a licensed mental health professional. *
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