Overview

• Authored by consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Laurie Van Niekerk, the guide is available to read and download on Cygnet’s website.
• It explains common triggers of school-related anxiety, including fear of the unknown, academic pressure, social worries, separation, routine changes, and past negative experiences.
• The resource outlines warning signs to watch for such as headaches or stomach aches, irritability or withdrawal, school avoidance, and potential effects on sleep, appetite, and mood.
• For young people, it recommends techniques like breathing and grounding exercises, positive self-talk, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and preparing routines in advance.
• Parents are advised to listen empathetically, re-establish structure, model calm confidence, work with schools, and seek professional help if anxiety interferes with daily life.