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Addressing anxiety challenges in today’s classrooms
Anxiety crisis in schools: educators seek solutions for supporting anxious students post-COVID and amidst social media pressures
Anxiety crisis in schools: educators seek solutions for supporting anxious students.
– Schools struggle to support anxious students, influenced by COVID-19 and social media pressures.
– Dr Jodi Richardson recommends teachers manage their own stress to create a supportive learning environment.
Schools face significant challenges in assisting young people with anxiety, a pressing issue that affects both students and teachers.
On this episode of Beyond Education, hosts Mike Loder and Greg Campitelli, are joined by Dr Jodi Richardson, an expert in mental health for young individuals.
Dr Richardson emphasised that heightened anxiety levels in classrooms are due to global crises, job insecurities, and social disconnection.
Dr Richardson pointed out that anxiety manifests differently across classrooms. Signs include students unable to focus or exhibiting physical symptoms of distress. Teachers also experience high levels of stress, which can affect their students. When teachers manage their own anxiety, it creates a more conducive learning environment. Anxiety hampers essential cognitive functions, making it difficult to learn.
Effective Strategies
To assist anxious students, Dr Richardson suggests that teachers first regulate their own stress levels. Practical strategies include calming techniques, such as mindful breathing exercises. Identifying the underlying issues a student faces can also help. Education must involve all staff, including administrative and counselling teams, aligning to address anxiety effectively. Recognising anxiety as treatable is crucial for fostering a supportive environment.
