Navigating Back to School - How to Help Teenagers Who are Struggling in School Make the Transition

The back to school season can mean so many things to so many people. For many students, this marks an exciting time to reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and embark on new journeys. However, it's crucial to remember that not all teenagers share the same sense of enthusiasm when the back-to-school season rolls around. For some, the prospect of transitioning back to school can trigger feelings of anxiety, apprehension, and unease.

While it's easy to assume that all students are thrilled about returning to school, it's important to acknowledge that various struggles within the school setting can impact their perspective and feelings about coming back to school. These struggles may stem from mental health issues, learning difficulties, social challenges, or a combination of factors.

For students who struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, the return to school can evoke intense emotions. The academic expectations, peer interactions, and performance expectations can exacerbate these challenges and make the prospect of returning to school feel overwhelming.

Similarly, students with learning difficulties may feel a sense of frustration and inadequacy as they anticipate struggling with coursework or keeping up with their peers. Socially, some students may have encountered difficulties forming friendships or dealing with bullying in the past, leading them to approach school with a sense of dread.

Regardless of the reason why, it is important for those of us who encounter young people to be aware of the mixed emotions, and not always assume that everyone is excited to walk back through the front doors of their school for another year. It is important to be sensitive to the array of reactions that will exist among the student body, and hold space for those who are not eager to reciprocate high fives in the hallway.

So how can we help teenagers who are struggling have a successful transition back to school?

1. Validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay not to be excited. You can name the fact that our culture has placed the expectation on returning to school being a joyful time. The power of a student feeling heard, seen, and understood should never be underestimated. There is immense power in validating someone’s experience and letting them know it’s okay to feel how they feel.

2. Be inclusive. The requisite icebreaker and back to school activities in classrooms and schools usually revolve around sharing excitement, goals, hopes, and dreams for the year. While these have their place, and there is nothing inherently wrong with them, it is important to consider peppering in some questions, reflections or activities that are more inclusive to different viewpoints and experiences related to returning to school. In addition to sharing excitement and positivity, allow students to also share and reflect on concerns and fears. Give students the option to write their reflections and goals privately, so that students who are not having the typical experience walking back into the school have a safe way to share.

3. Help them problem solve. There aren’t always solutions or ways we can fix everything, but if there is something about a student’s school experience that can be addressed, work with them on finding a solution. Maybe they need a social connection and can join a club right away, maybe they can work with their counselor to find a schedule that helps them feel more engaged, maybe they can connect right away with mental health support at school so they know from day one they have access to emotional support, or maybe they can get connected with a tutoring program so they know they’ll have the help they need. Whatever it may be, helping remove a burden or barrier can help a student walk into their school a little lighter, and a little more ready.

4. Build connections. One of the most powerful tools you can offer a young person is connection. A student feeling connected at school is one of the most meaningful protective factors available (and one of the easiest to offer!). Make sure students have as many connections and positive relationships at school as possible. Connect them with counselors, trusted adults, and peer groups in the school. Additionally, you can look to hep the student and their family make as many community connections as possible, to wrap them up in support from all angles. Connect them to youth support groups, activities, and mental health support in the community. Find out what kind of resources their family may need and help them connect with local agencies who can help. Even if we can't fix or take away a student's problems, helping them feel connected and supported can go a long way.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, it's crucial to remember that not all students experience the same level of excitement about returning to school. Students are typically greeted in those first days back at school with big smiles and hellos, high fives and fist bumps, and much pomp and circumstance. Pay attention to those kids who may not light up the way other kids do. Who give you a half-hearted high five in return. Who stay quiet in the back of the class during the back to school getting to know you games and activities. Check in with them, listen to their story, and offer to help however you can, even if it’s just to lend a caring ear. Teachers and school staff play a pivotal role in ensuring that every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to navigate the challenges of the school setting. With the right approach, we can work together to make the back-to-school season a time of growth, connection, and positive transformation for all students.