Town hall: Back-to-school and mental health
As each summer break comes to an end, families prepare for the return to school. School supplies are purchased, well-child checkups and vaccinations are scheduled and soon enough parents watch while their children head back into school for the new year. For some parents, there are extra worries, too. What about your child’s mental health? How will it be affected by the new school year?
In this moderated town hall video, Drs. Blakely Amati, pediatrician, Brandon Hecht, family medicine physician, Michael Sierra, child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Brittany Peters, psychiatrist, answered your questions about the return to school and mental health in kids and teens. Questions answered include:
- What are some signs that your child is being bullied? What can parents do to help?
- What do you do if your child is the bully?
- If your child is having a conflict with friends at school, should a parent step in?
- What can parents do if children are scared or anxious about going back to school?
- How can you tell the difference between back-to-school jitters and severe anxiety or depression?
- What are some tips on how to get children to open up about their back-to-school worries?
- How can a parent help a child to navigate their first romantic relationship safely?
- What are red flags that suggest your child might be in a violent or unhealthy dating relationship?
- Can a child’s friendships also be unhealthy or harmful? What can a parent do to keep their kid safe?
- How do you know if your child is ready for a cell phone?
- What can parents do to help children stay safe on social media?
- What are some tips for helping a child transition to a new school?
- Are there any benefits to keeping a child back for a year before beginning kindergarten?
- How can you keep your child protected at school if they have a severe food allergy?
- How do schools typically handle food allergies?
- Are there any concerns over social development parents should know when children with allergies are separated from others?
- How well-child visits can help your child during the back-to-school transition
- And more
You can always find more information and advice on heading back to school right here on Flourish.
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