Parents urged to watch for back-to-school anxiety, Fraser Health says

Fraser Health is advising parents in British Columbia to watch for signs of anxiety as students return to school and adjust to new routines, teachers, and classrooms. The health authority says parents can help by asking children what is worrying them, listening carefully, and creating space for open conversation at home. Clinical counsellor Amrita Kaur Sandhu said common steps such as returning to regular sleep schedules, allowing time to relax after school, and recognizing that children may need to release pentup emotions can make the transition easier. The article also highlights the experience of Grade 12 student Saktaar Sodhi, who said older students may feel pressure about university applications, fitting in, and social status at school. Experts say these concerns are common at the start of the school year and may ease as students settle into new routines.