Anxiety among children rises as school year begins in Finland

Not all children and young people have started the school year with a positive outlook. The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare reports that discussions about school-related anxiety occur daily in their helpline and chat services. Psychotherapist Tatjana Pajamäki, head of the league’s support services, notes that the primary sources of anxiety, fear, and concern among various age groups stem from peer relationships and their dynamics within the school community, which are significant stressors affecting mental health. Bullying is also frequently mentioned, alongside performance pressures affecting older students.

The youngest callers, grappling with school-related worries, have been as young as eight years old. As schools resumed, the MLL’s youth forum saw numerous messages highlighting anxieties over school issues, including expressions like, “Is anyone else feeling like they can’t go to school because they feel so ugly?”

While most schoolchildren return to their studies in good spirits, a small group continues to face anxiety year-round, driven by concerns about friendships, bullying, academic challenges, large crowds, or the overall school environment. For some, adjusting post-summer to reduced phone and gaming time can also be significant.

Pajamäki emphasizes the importance of safe communities in preventing and managing anxiety. Children need to feel accepted and visible within their school communities; an unsupportive environment can adversely affect mental health. Additionally, there are many forms of bullying that may go unnoticed by adults, such as systematic exclusion and manipulative behavior, which can severely impact the well-being of children and adolescents.

Support services like the MLL’s helpline (116111) and youth chats can offer assistance to those struggling with these issues.