Fraser Health offers Surrey students tips for back to school anxiety

Published 11:00 am Monday, September 7, 2026

Fraser Health has issued a release offering Surrey students and parents some helpful tips to ease the anxiety of returning to school on Sept. 8.

“The start of a new school year can bring excitement, anticipation and, for some children and youth, anxiety,” says the release.

Fraser Health says they are encouraging that parents and caregivers try to recognize the signs of back-to-school anxiety and support children as they adjust to new routines, relationships and expectations.

“Some nervousness about going back to school is completely normal, especially when children and youth are facing something new or uncertain,” shares Nelam Sall, program lead, Integrated Child and Youth, Mental Health and Substance Use Services for Fraser Health.

Sall notes that anxiety surrounding the return back to school can affect students of all ages. Sall also says that some of these students may be concerned about making friends or fitting in, while others may be worried about school work, starting at a new school or not knowing what to expect.

“Parents and caregivers can start by asking what they’re worried about and really listening to what they have to say. Sometimes just feeling heard and talking through those worries together can help a child feel more prepared and supported,” explained Sall.

Sall shares that anxiety can show in many different ways. She explains that anxiety doesn’t always look like worry in kids and can also show in ways such as struggling to sleep, becoming more irritable, complaints of headaches or stomach aches, mood or behaviour changes, or even avoiding any conversation or activities related to school.

“Parents and caregivers can make the transition easier by talking with children about what to expect and how they are feeling,” said Sall.

According to Fraser Health here are ways to support children and youth:

• Gradually returning to regular sleep, meal and morning routines before school starts.
• Talking through what the first day or week will look like, particularly for students entering a new school or adjusting to a significant change.
• Asking open-ended questions about what they are looking forward to and what they are worried about.
• Acknowledging and validating their feelings rather than immediately reassuring them or telling them not to worry.
• Reminding them of challenges they have successfully worked through before and talking about strategies they can use when they feel overwhelmed.
• Helping them identify people they can turn to at home and at school.

“If a child says they are scared or does not want to go to school, parents and caregivers can start by acknowledging their feelings and trying to understand what is worrying them,” says Sall before explaining that if parents work through these worries one step at a time and remind children of challenges they’ve handled in the past they can help build up their confidence.

“We can’t take away every uncomfortable feeling, but we can help children learn that they can cope with them,” Sall explains.

She says that for many students the nervousness will ease once school starts and they settle into a routine. She notes that parents and caregivers should pay attention, however, if anxiety continues and grows.

“Families don’t need to wait until a child is in crisis to ask for help,” explains Nelam. “If their anxiety isn’t easing, is becoming more intense or is starting to interfere with school, relationships or everyday life, it’s a good time to reach out for some additional support.”

For more information about child and youth mental health and available supports, visit: fraserhealth.ca/youthmentalhealth