PARENTS should pay close attention to their children who have returned to physical classes for the first time in two years as they might be mentally pressured, psychologists and counsellors said.

They said for the first one to three months, parents should keep a close eye on their children in case they are suffering from any stress from returning to school.

The new school year started on March 21 but for the first two weeks, classes were conducted online. Physical classes resumed on April 4.

Psychologist Tan Chee Seng said the changes in the last two years due to the Covid-19 epidemic meant that it would take time for the mind and body to adapt to changes.

“There are several reasons why students may suffer from mental stress,” Tan told The Malaysian Insight.

“It could be due to interpersonal relationships, loss of control and loss of sense of achievement. Interpersonal relationships are especially important for children.

“If they have good friends, adapting in school will be easier. If they are unable to master what is being taught in school, this too may add to the pressure.”

If students are able to control their surroundings, this could offer them a sense of satisfaction too, he added.

Tan said he had been approached by two students for help since school restarted.

“One is a student transitioning from a Chinese primary school to national secondary school who was already under a lot of stress due to online learning.

“Now that lessons are being taught in English instead of Chinese, the student refuses to go to school and stays in bed all day. This is a sign that he is anxious and depressed, which is serious.”

Another case involved a Form 5 student, Tan said.

“He is in the science stream and since school started, there has been a lot of homework so he feels pressured.”

Tan said in the first one to two months, parents should observe any changes in their children’s behaviour.

“They should talk to their children, ask about their friends, any school subjects they find difficult. If there are a lot of negatives, they should take note.”

Watch out for behavioural changes

Lee Shae Nee, a counsellor, said it takes around one to three months for a person to adapt to a new environment, but this too depends on individual circumstances.

“Some students can adapt well, others who are more introverted may not know how to express themselves and they may take longer to adapt.”

Lee said it was normal for children to feel nervous or overwhelmed, adding that other people’s emotions could affect them too.

“Other people’s anxiety could put them under even more pressure.”

While parents are worried about their children’s safety, they should not show too much of it around their children, she said.

Psychologist Alice Lee said if someone was under mental stress, one obvious outward symptom was a change in habit.

“For example, day and night are reversed. They may stay up all night and hide all day in their rooms, refusing to communicate with friends. They may be more irritable, prone to crying and suffer from a lack of appetite.”

Stress, if not handled well, could lead to other mental illnesses, Lee said.

“Once it becomes a disease, it will be more difficult to treat and may require medication. In serious situations, there are those who self-harm or contemplate suicide.”

Lee said parents who were worried about Covid-19 may affect their children’s emotions.

“When children see us nervous, they will feel the same way. Adults need to control their emotions better.

“Good family support helps children adapt easier in school,” she said.

Quality time with children will help them tremendously because it helps build a better parent child relationship, Lee added.

Data from the Education Ministry showed that from June to August last year, 12.55% of standard 4 and 5 students were at risk of mental stress.

This prompted Education Minister Radzi Jidin to encourage parents to pay more attention to their children’s wellbeing. – April 6, 2022.