A social concern: Returning to school

As 18,710,265 students in Türkiye begin the new academic year in the first weeks of September, both children and adults are experiencing significant psychological challenges. Back-to-school anxiety affects not only students but also parents, teachers, and even adults without children. For almost everyone, factors like increased traffic and congested roads are ushering in a new challenging period.

A social concern: Returning to school - 1

Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Hakan Türkçapar

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BACK TO SCHOOL IN TURKEY According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, 51.3 percent of the child population is male, while 48.7 percent is female. Furthermore, the child population in Turkey, at 25.5 percent, is known to be higher than the figures in EU member states. This explains why the return to school period has become a social phenomenon in Turkey. The fact that one in four families experiences this process significantly impacts social anxiety. This change brought about by September alters not only children's lives but also the rhythm of society as a whole. The transition from the relaxed atmosphere of summer vacation to the organized school year requires a collective psychological adjustment.

Parents' Hidden Concerns

The anxieties parents experience are multifaceted: Questions like, "Will my child be able to make friends?", "Will their teachers understand them?", and "Will they be able to keep up academically?" preoccupy them. However, underlying these concerns are deeper psychological dynamics. For some parents, the start of school means the erosion of their identity as the "constantly needed parent." Parents sending their children to school for the first time can sometimes experience even more intense anxiety than their own children. In Turkish society, mothers, in particular, build a significant part of their identities around the role of motherhood. The end of intensive care with the start of school necessitates adapting to a new lifestyle . This can cause a significant increase in anxiety, especially for mothers who spend most of their time at home and are not employed.

ANXIETY OF DISRUPTION OF ROUTINE

"Routine anxiety" in adults can actually emerge as a natural response to change. The human brain is wired to feel safe in predictable routines. Adapting to a rigid school schedule after the relaxed nature of summer vacation causes an increase in stress hormones in the brain. This isn't just limited to families with children. Changes in daily life—like increased traffic—create a "change in routine anxiety" that affects even adults without children.

SYMPTOMS OF SCHOOL ANXIETY IN CHILDREN

Anxiety about starting school can manifest in different ways in children. Sometimes separation anxiety, difficulty entering the classroom, and school refusal can occur. Physical symptoms can also commonly occur alongside these. School-related anxiety can sometimes manifest as morning headaches or stomach aches.

Experts indicate that various factors underlie these symptoms seen in children. Factors such as lack of skills, parental attitudes, and changing life events can contribute to a child's fear of school. This may be related not to the child's inability to separate from their mother or father, but rather to the parents' inability to separate from the child. This problem is particularly common in children of overprotective and anxious parents.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PARENTS

You might be nervous and stressed when you leave the house to go to school together or drop your child off on the first day of school, but you can be careful not to show this to your child. Children are very sensitive to their parents' outward reactions and can take things personally. For a healthy return to school, parents must first regulate their own emotional state, as this directly affects their child's attitude towards school. When children express concerns about returning to school, you can listen to them seriously. It's important to provide your child with positive experiences at school and carefully plan the preschool preparation process. To this end, you can use methods such as visiting the school building before the start of school, meeting the teacher, and teaching the school rules through play. Parents should have expectations appropriate for their child's age group. It's important to accept that each child develops at different rates, avoid comparisons, and appreciate their individual achievements.

SOCIAL SOLUTION SUGGESTIONS

As a society, we must support each other during these times. Families whose children are just starting school can seek advice from experienced families. Schools and families can collaborate and communicate. Psychological counselors and guidance counselors in schools, in particular, play a significant role in the adaptation process for families and children. Increasing positive media coverage of the return to school and encouraging the sharing of experiences among families can also be beneficial.

CONCLUSION: EVERYONE'S ANXIETY IS NORMAL

Back-to-school anxiety isn't unique to children; it's a natural process that affects society as a whole. It's important to remember that experiencing this anxiety is normal and expected. What matters is how we manage it and how we support each other through this process. For children, school is a gateway to new beginnings and discoveries. For adults, it's a developmental opportunity that can require taking on different roles. Going through this process in a healthy way strengthens us both individually and collectively.

Let's not forget that this collective transformation that occurs every September is actually a sign that we, as a society, are continuing to grow and learn. When we share our concerns and support one another, this process can become easier, more productive, and more meaningful for all of us.