ALMOST two thirds of Irish parents are worried about their kids’ emotional development as they return to school in September.
Barnardos quizzed almost 1,500 parents and 121 young people in their annual Back to School Survey.
And while the kids are largely looking forward to going back in the coming weeks, parents have concerns about their development, including their educational and social skills.
It comes after over a year of uncertainty, with schools shutting and kids being taught at home due to Covid-19, before returning to the classroom, but often having disturbances to their schedules due to close contacts.
CEO of Barnardos, Suzanne Connolly said: “Our survey found parents and children are generally feeling positive about going back to school in September.
“However, parents have concerns about their children’s emotional, educational and social progress and as a result, the majority believe their children will need some form of additional support. Unfortunately, 49 per cent of parents are concerned about whether or not their children will be able to access the necessary support.”
Here, Nicola Bardon looks at some of the key findings, with some comments from concerned parents.
GOING BACK TO CLASS
Just eight per cent of students in primary and secondary schools said they were sad about going back to school, while 14 per cent said they were worried. More than four in 10 said they were happy about returning, while 17 per cent added they are excited.
One child asked about how they felt said: “I like to be at home with mam but I like my friends in school also cause I missed them.”
EDUCATIONAL WOES
After homeschooling last year and some of this year, many parents said they were worried that their children are not at the right educational level, with a third saying they didn’t have the skills to help them properly.
60 per cent of primary school parents and almost 70 per cent of secondary school parents said they were concerned about the educational development of their child.
But almost three-quarters said their son or daughter was also ready to move into the next year of school despite the worries.
Almost a quarter of primary school parents admitted their kids spent less than an hour a day learning last year.
One parent said: “Would prefer my children to just repeat this year. My seven-year-old has had a total of 18 months desk time in front of a teacher.
“They’re behind seven months of time and a year of actual learning. They need another year of catch up.”
EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Almost two-thirds of parents were worried about their children’s emotional development, with 64 per cent of secondary school parents concerned about their child’s anxiety.
One secondary school parent wrote in the survey: “My child suffers terribly with anxiety & doesn’t like to leave the house for anything. It’s like WW3 to go for a walk! On returning to school last April, his anxiety was manifesting in physical.”
With the pandemic, over half of those quizzed said there had been some mental health difficulties over the past twelve months, with another 54 per cent saying they experienced financial concerns.
Nearly one in five said someone in the home had experienced the loss of a jon, which affected the family.
One primary school parent said: “He will have to return to school with a uniform that has stains as I can’t afford to buy a new one”
SOCIAL SKILLS
Three in 10 parents are concerned about their children’s behaviour and if they will be able to follow school rules when they are back in the classroom.
But they also worried about their child interacting with other kids, with 58 per cent of secondary school parents and 47 per cent of primary school parents stressed about their child’s loneliness.
It wasn’t just kids who were feeling lonely, as 58 per cent of the mothers and fathers who responded said they felt isolated.
One parent said: “My sons start to school has been so tumultuous. He hasn’t had any consistency and has had trouble making friends and socialising. As a result he’s stressed and sometimes lashes out.”
RECOMMENDATIONS
The report also makes some recommendations on how parents and kids would feel more secure in September.
Barnardos has called for additional supports for both primary and secondary pupils’ studies, as well as tackling anxiety and worries amongst young people.
Most read in Irish News
They also said there must be a focus on children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds who have been affected by the pandemic and those at risk of dropping out.
And they called for more funding to be allocated to the Back to School Allowance and an end to non-fee paying schools asking for ‘voluntary contributions.’
For support or guidance, Barnardos’ professionally staffed Parent Supportline is available Monday-Friday from 10am-2pm on 1800 910 123 or see barnardos.ie.
