Back to school raises concerns and challenges for our children

It feels like the summer holiday has flown by, and it's almost time for children across the community to return to their school routines.

- By Darren Worth Childline senior supervisor, North of England

For some, that will be exciting, but young people reach out to our counsellors at Childline every day about their worries, and for many of them school is the topic of conversation, for all sorts of reasons.

Some young people tell counsellors they feel overwhelmed about the challenge of starting a new school or college, while some are worried about the new term or the future.

If your child is worried about returning to school, it's important to listen to their concerns and give them time to speak before offering your opinion, but there are plenty of ways to support them.