The start of a new school year is an exciting time, but it can also bring challenges for young students who struggle with separation anxiety. Whether students are entering school for the first time or returning after long holiday breaks, the transition back into the classroom can trigger strong emotions.
Teachers and school staff play a vital role in helping students feel safe, supported and confident as they settle into their learning environment. Understanding what separation anxiety is, recognising the signs and knowing how to help students with separation anxiety can make a significant difference in their wellbeing.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a fear or distress that occurs when a child is away from a parent or primary caregiver. While some level of worry is a normal part of childhood development, separation anxiety becomes a concern when the distress is intense, persistent or disrupts a child’s ability to participate in everyday activities like coming to school, engaging in class or forming friendships.
Australian data highlights how common this challenge is. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in children, with around one in seven children aged between four and eleven experiencing a mental health issue in any given year. Among these, separation anxiety is one of the most frequently identified anxiety presentations in younger students.
Separation anxiety often appears during major transitions. The start of the school year, the move into a new classroom or even returning from school holidays can unsettle students who rely heavily on familiar routines and reassurance. For early learners in preschool or kindergarten, this may be their first experience being away from home for extended periods, making separation especially challenging.
Recognising the Signs of Separation Anxiety
Teachers are often the first to notice signs of separation anxiety. These may include:
- Excessive crying or clinging at drop off
- Frequent complaints of stomach aches, headaches or feeling unwell
- Difficulty concentrating in class
- Withdrawal from peers or avoidance of activities
- Repeated requests to call home or check-in with caregivers
- Emotional outbursts when anticipating the end of the school day
These behaviours aren’t a matter of students being difficult, but rather expressions of fear, uncertainty and emotional overwhelm. Responding with patience, warmth and understanding sets the foundation for effective support.
Practical Steps to Help Students with Separation Anxiety
Supporting students with separation anxiety requires a calm, predictable and compassionate approach. Teachers and school staff can take many practical steps to create a sense of safety and trust.
Establish predictable routines
An established and predictable routine can help anxious students feel grounded, such as beginning each day with familiar steps such as greeting students at the door, morning circle time or quiet settling in activities. When students know what to expect, they feel more in control.
For new or young students, visual schedules can be especially helpful. Picture charts that show the sequence of the day allow children to follow along without relying solely on verbal instruction.
Create warm, reassuring transitions
Drop off time is often the most stressful moment of the day for students experiencing separation anxiety. Supportive strategies include:
- Having a staff member ready to greet the student warmly
- Providing a quiet, calm activity the student can engage with right away
- Using gentle reassurance to help them settle
Some children may benefit from a predictable goodbye routine, such as a special handshake or brief phrase. This structure can help them feel secure and connected. even as they separate from their caregiver.
Use connection as a tool
Students experiencing separation anxiety often fear that being away from their caregiver means they are not safe. Teachers can counter this by forming strong, trusting relationships with students. Taking a few minutes at the start of the day to check in, share a conversation or engage in a comforting interaction can help students feel seen and supported.
A buddy system can also prove an effective salve for separation anxiety. Pairing a child with a kind and confident peer gives them someone to rely on as they adjust to the classroom setting.
Offer small responsibilities
Giving students small, meaningful classroom jobs can boost their confidence and shift their focus away from their worries. Tasks such as handing out pencils, watering plants or choosing a book for story time help students feel valued, capable and part of a group.
Communicate clearly with families
Open communication with caregivers is essential, as families can share information about what strategies work at home, and teachers can provide updates on how the child is coping at school.
It can be helpful to encourage families to keep drop offs brief, consistent and calm. Lengthy goodbyes can intensify a child’s anxiety, while steady routines can build trust.
Emotional Support for Students with Separation Anxiety
At its core, separation anxiety is an emotional challenge, so supporting students effectively requires acknowledging their feelings while gently encouraging independence.
Validate their emotions
Let students know that it is okay to feel worried or sad when separating from someone they love. Validating their feelings shows respect for their experience and helps them feel understood.
Simple phrases such as, “I can see you are feeling worried. You are safe here and I will help you,” can be very reassuring.
Teach calming strategies
Students can benefit from learning simple tools they can use to regulate their emotions. These might include:
- Deep breathing
- Counting slowly
- Using a calm corner in the classroom
- Drawing or journalling feelings
- Holding a comfort item
- Sensory play, such as with kinetic sand
These strategies can help empower students to manage their own anxiety gradually.
Celebrate progress
Progress may be slow and may look different for each student but that shouldn’t stop you or them from celebrating small achievements such as settling more quickly, taking part in group tasks or showing confidence during the day. Positive reinforcement helps build resilience and helps students recognise their own growth.
Supporting Students Through the School Year
As students adapt to the school routine, many will naturally become more comfortable, but separation anxiety can still resurface during disruptions such as public holidays, family changes or other sudden shifts in routine. Teachers and staff should continue to offer steady emotional support throughout the year.
The Monitoring mental health and suicide prevention reform National Report 2019 by the Australian Government National Mental Health Commission shows that early intervention and supportive environments play a major role in reducing childhood anxiety, and schools are uniquely positioned to provide that support.
When educators respond with empathy, structure and patience, students build coping skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
