The start of a new school year can bring a mix of excitement and nervous energy. For many teens, however, this season also comes with a wave of anxiety — about academics, social dynamics, extracurriculars, or even just the shift back into structured routines. As parents and teachers, recognizing the signs of back-to-school anxiety and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
Why Teens Experience Back-to-School Anxiety
Adolescence is a time of rapid growth — emotionally, socially, and academically. With these changes, it’s natural for teens to feel pressure. Common triggers include:
-
Academic pressures: Fear of not performing well or keeping up with challenging coursework.
-
Social concerns: Worries about fitting in, making friends, or dealing with peer pressure.
-
Change in routine: The abrupt switch from summer’s freedom to school’s structure can feel overwhelming.
-
Transitions: Starting a new school, moving into a higher grade level, or preparing for college.
For some teens, this anxiety is temporary and fades as they adjust. For others, it can interfere with sleep, concentration, mood, and overall well-being.
How Parents Can Support Teens
Parents play a critical role in easing this transition:
-
Validate their feelings – Avoid dismissing worries with “You’ll be fine.” Instead, acknowledge that their concerns are real.
-
Help them prepare – Review schedules, visit the school if possible, and discuss what to expect.
-
Encourage healthy habits – Adequate sleep, balanced meals, and physical activity all help regulate mood.
-
Model calmness – Teens often mirror the emotional tone of their home environment.
How Teachers Can Help in the Classroom
Teachers and school staff are often the first to notice signs of anxiety during the school day. Helpful strategies include:
-
Creating a welcoming environment – Greet students by name and show genuine interest in their well-being.
-
Offering structure and predictability – Clear expectations help reduce uncertainty.
-
Providing flexible support – Allowing extra time on assignments or offering quiet spaces can be helpful.
-
Collaborating with parents – Consistent communication ensures that strategies at home and school align.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your teen’s anxiety is persistent, disrupts daily routines, or causes emotional distress that doesn’t improve with time, professional support may be needed. Signs might include frequent stomachaches or headaches before school, withdrawing from friends, or excessive worry about grades and performance.
At Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, we specialize in helping teens and their families navigate these challenges with compassion and evidence-based strategies. In addition to individual and family therapy, we now offer a weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills group for teens to learn practical tools for managing stress, emotions, and relationships.
We are also proud to provide bilingual therapy in both Spanish and Japanese, making our services more accessible and inclusive for families in our community.
You don’t have to face this alone — and neither does your teen.
If your teen is feeling overwhelmed this school year, we can help them find calm, confidence, and balance. Call us at (408) 628-0532 or send us a message to get started. Together, we can make this school year a more positive, empowering experience.
Spread the Love – Share Your Experience With CTFT:
