ANSEO is the big new Government campaign raisning awareness around the number of absent days a certain cohort of students are building up. One in five secondary students are missing a month or more of school each year, in Ireland. We have looked at the figures and it is well documented about absenteism from school can lead to a greater possibility that those students on entering into the working world will struggle to maintain work and financial stability. Anxiety often self diagnosed is one of those issues that can lead to students taking time out form school. Please read the advise from the HSE Government below and you will also find the link here to the wider document for further reading.
Anxiety is very common in children, particularly around childcare or school.
Check in with your child about how they are feeling about school. It’s normal for children to feel worried or anxious from time to time. For example, when they’re starting pre-school, primary or secondary school.
Listen to what your child tells you about their anxieties or worries. Try to validate them by saying ‘I can see why you are worried’.
You can help your child to understand that anxiety is normal. Explain to them that there are ways to manage worry and fear. For example, they can talk to you or someone else they trust, such as a teacher. Give them examples of ways they got over their fears in the past.
Reading books about school and trying to have some extra 1-on-1 time with them can help too.
It may be a good idea to talk to your child’s school or GP for advice if:
A child may be anxious because of bullying. Find information on how to support a child who is being bullied from Citizens Information.
