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Childline expecting increase in contacts from children with concerns about going back to school

We’re reminding young people Childline is always available to help with any worries

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  • New data shows that in 2024/25 over 1,800 counselling sessions were delivered to young people concerned about returning to school.
  • More than 1 in 3 of these sessions took place in August or September.

Childline is anticipating an increase in contacts from children across the UK who have concerns about returning to school at the start of September.

From April 2024 to March 2025, we delivered 1,812 counselling sessions to young people on this topic. Over a third of these took place across August and September.1

Young people told Childline they were worried about reactions to a change in their appearance from peers and concerns about the demands of schoolwork in the new term.

We have also gathered tips and advice for carers, parents and young people to support those with concerns of returning to school.

Read our tips below

One girl, aged 14, told Childline2:

“I really, really don’t want to go back to school — I worry what people will say about my body after the summer. I feel so ugly and guilty that I didn’t have the discipline to stick to a diet or lose any weight.

My family keeps telling me I’m beautiful, but it’s hard to believe them. At least at home I feel safe and understood, but at school I’ll have to eat around other people and that makes me feel really upset — I feel so vulnerable and judged.”

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Children also told our trained counsellors that they were worried about specific teachers or school staff, while others were concerned about starting a new school. However, some shared with the trained counsellors that they were looking forward to going back to school to escape family tensions and were missing their friends.

We’re reminding children that Childline is there for any child who needs support, no matter their concern.

A transgender boy, aged 15, said:

“It's been kinda tough not having much support over the holidays, so I’m actually looking forward to going back to school. I love my family, but it can be hard spending loads of time with them, especially when they don’t approve of who you are. I miss my mates and teachers.”

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said:

“For many children, the start of a new school year brings excitement — a chance to reconnect with friends, return to a familiar routine, and continue learning. But for others, it can trigger feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.

"We see a significant rise in contacts to Childline during the summer holidays, particularly in the lead-up to the new school year. School should be a place where children feel safe, supported, and happy.

“While it's completely normal to have concerns, young people must know they’re not alone and that help is available. If any child is feeling nervous or overwhelmed about returning to school, our trained Childline counsellors are here 24/7 — online and over the phone — ready to listen and support."

Tips for parents and carers

If your child is worried about returning to school, there are plenty of things you can do and ways to support them:

Write their feelings down

You could get your child to write down everything they are looking forward to at school, and everything they are worried about. Encourage them to show you the list so that you can chat through their concerns, help them cope with their worries and also look at the positives.

Listen to their concerns

If your child has concerns about going back to school, be sure to take time to listen to what they are saying before you jump in to give advice or your opinion. 

Practical solutions

Once your child has shared any concerns or anxieties they might have about going back to school, you could try talking through some practical solutions. You could start by asking them what they think might help them feel better about the situations that worry them.

Remind them to take their time

Remind your child that it can take time to adjust to being back at school, and it’s okay if it doesn’t feel comfortable at first. 

Doing things they enjoy

Even when they are back at school, making time every day to do something they enjoy can really help to ease anxiety.

Let a teacher know

Depending on your child's age and the type of worries they have, you might also want to let a teacher know when they do go back to school, so they can provide any extra support if needed.

Tips for young people

Talk to a safe adult

No matter the reason, if a young person is struggling ahead of going back to school, it’s vital that they are encouraged to talk to a safe adult about this.

Write down their worries and hopes

They can write down everything they’re looking forward to at school and everything they’re worried about. They could show the list to an adult they trust who can help them cope with their worries.

Ask questions

Ask their parents, carers or teachers about anything they’re not sure about. They could ask about things they’ll need at school, who will be in their lessons or anything else that’s on their mind.

Prepare themselves before going back

Make sure they pack their bag before going back and that they’ve got their uniform if they wear one.

Use the Childline online mood journal

The mood journal can help them to let their feelings and worries out.

Stay connected

With their friends and family, whether that’s online or in person. 

Do some physical activity

Such as playing a game outside, going for a walk or taking part in a sport.

Worried about a child?

You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk

Find out more

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References

  1. 1) In 2024/25, Childline delivered 1,812 counselling sessions where returning to school was mentioned by children and young people. Over a third (34%) took place in August or September, with 377 and 236 counselling sessions respectively.

  2. 2) Snapshots are based on real Childline service users but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child or young person involved.