Between January and May this year Childline volunteers delivered nearly 7,000 counselling sessions with children worried about Covid-19.

Advice from the NSPCC

Returning to school post Covid-19

Coronavirus has had a huge impact on young people’s lives. Not being able to go to school and see friends means many have lost their support network.

Most schools are open again now and it’s only natural for children to worry about how things will be different, catching up on missed schoolwork and keeping safe and following social distancing.

The following advice can help put them at ease:

Write it down Encourage them to write down worries and anything they’re excited about. Urge them to show the list to a trusted adult (could a parent/ carer or teacher) so they can help them. Talk about lockdown A lot has happened while they were off. They might have started to feel down or even lost friends or family members. Talking about it can help. Let your feelings out There are plenty of tools on the Childline website to help children and young people express what they’re feeling when they can’t find the words. Visit childline.org.uk and try the mood journal or art box.

Take your time It’s going to take a while to adjust to being back at school. It’s ok if it doesn’t feel comfortable at first. Once they’re home from school, make sure they do something each day that they enjoy. Volunteer Childline counsellors are available online and over the phone, free and in confidence, call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.

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