Those who think students are exempt from stress may need to think again. Although the student period seems to be happy and full of happiness, students and adolescents going to school and the atmosphere of competition can be a source of many problems, including peer pressure, exam pressure, bullying and coercion by friends and many other problems that we do not expect.
Adults can communicate to others how stress affects their lives, but students and teens may not recognize or even articulate the words necessary to describe how they feel. Students experience stress at an increasing rate. A 2014 American Psychological Association study found that American teens are more stressed than adults.
Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges. When a student, regardless of age or education level, experiences a lot of anxiety or chronic stress, the ability to learn, retain lessons, and get good grades is likely to be impaired. In addition, severe stress harms his physical, emotional and mental health. By being aware of common stressors, parents can help reduce negative or chronic student stress.
Causes of stress among students
1- Examinations
Most children do not like taking tests, but for some students this can be very stressful. Those with severe test anxiety may experience a lot of stress during this time. This can directly affect a student’s grades.
2- Submitting an oral report
Getting up in class and speaking in front of your classmates can be stressful for some children. These students are often afraid of doing something embarrassing and of being laughed at.
3- Find a friend
When students move to a new school, making new friends can be stressful. Those who do not make friends easily may feel lonelier. Students also feel anxious when discussing with their friends.
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4- Physical Education Class (PE)
Students in a physical education class often fear that they will not be selected in any group or team. In addition, they try to show others and their colleagues that they meet physical fitness standards (eg stroke, sit-ups, etc.). This gives them the approval of their classmates and friends and prevents them from becoming isolated.
5- Too many assignments
When your child is tired and has a lot of homework, it becomes difficult for him to do it. This could be a stressful period for a student, This leads to more stress.
6- Intensive and intensive programs during the day
Whether it’s advanced level classes or required coaching classes, a heavy schedule can be a major source of student stress. This is especially common among high school students who are preparing for entrance exams by participating in extracurricular classes.
7- Participation in the crowd
Participating in crowded gatherings and gatherings (such as birthdays, parties, etc.) and being the center of a student’s attention can be stressful for him. Gradually prepare your child to participate in these gatherings.
8- Exposure to danger
Fires, floods, earthquakes, theft, natural and unnatural disasters in general can expose a child to a lot of stress. Try to avoid watching stressful news or crime movies in front of your child.
9- Disorganization
Students with poor skills may experience more stress in school. This is usually because they have not been prepared with the tools or understanding to learn properly and have not learned the correct learning methods beforehand. If these skills are not improved, students may continue to fall behind, which leads to more stress and frustration in school.
10- A little free time
Students with busy schedules can quickly get into trouble because they are under a lot of stress and have no free time to relax. As your child progresses from elementary school to high school, the amount and difficulty of homework increases. However, unskilled and busy students can experience more stress.
11- Bad eating habits
According to the American College of Physicians, poor diet and unhealthy eating habits increase stress in students. Foods that can increase students’ stress levels include those that are high in fat, caffeine, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. These elements are commonly found in fast foods and processed and processed foods. To relax and reduce your child’s stress level, follow a healthy diet rich in healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables.
12- Lack of sleep
According to the National Sleep Foundation, students who don’t get a good night’s sleep and don’t get enough sleep at night feel more stressed than those who sleep a lot. Sleep allows a student’s body and brain to recharge or recover and helps strengthen their immune system. Lack of sleep makes the student more aggressive and limits his ability to learn, focus and problem-solve. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that young adults get 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep a night and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
13- Lack of support
Lack of support from parents or teachers, even if they only feel it, can cause great stress for students. They may feel that others have high expectations, but that they don’t have an adequate support system (whether emotional or practical) to achieve their goals. This is another cause of stress that can particularly affect academically gifted students.
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14- Moving to a new environment
Transitioning to a new environment (whether in a new school or transitioning from elementary school to high school) can be stressful for many students. New classes, new teachers, and new routines can be stressful for your child and it will take time to adjust to it.
15- Very difficult chapters
Advancing academic grades, starting more advanced classes and more rigorous courses can cause stress for students. This is very common for teens entering high school. As the classes get more difficult, so does the pressure of the students to pass the exams and get the desired score.
16- Change in the program
Changes in the daily schedule, such as changing bedtime, homework, or rest times, can be stressful for students. As the changes in the routine begin, your child may find it more difficult to manage his time, which leads to more stress.
Ways to reduce school-related stress in students
The school can also put pressure on children and parents. And while stress is an inevitable part of life, there are things you can do to reduce it and have a good school year.
- Prepare your child for school. A few weeks before school starts, talk to him about school to avoid excitement and stress. Throughout the year, remind the kids of the things they enjoy and find after-school activities, hanging out with friends, and seeing favorite teachers. In other words, highlight the fun side of school!
- Routine activities help reduce anxiety because children know what to expect. A few weeks before school starts, try to get the kids used to a regular sleeping and eating schedule and keep it up even on weekends and throughout the year.
- Try to leave healthy and nutritious snacks for your child to prevent their weakness and hunger. Children need energy to learn lessons and to be physically active at school. As a parent, pay attention to your child’s nutritional needs.
- Physical activity and team sports are good ways to relieve stress. Physical activity can help improve your child’s concentration in class and academic performance at school. In addition, being on a team gives children a chance to learn teamwork, meet people who enjoy the same activity, and make new friends, many of whom may be at the same school as your child!
