Reducing Stress When Schools Reopen

According to an organization called Safe and Sound Schools, school officials should be prepared for all kinds of emotions and reactions when students return this fall. While they may be displayed in different ways, the root cause is a concern and a deep-seated worry about the virus and their own health once they return to school.

Expect some students to show aggressive and disruptive behavior while others may become very introverted and isolated. Be prepared for some students to challenge school officials’ authority and even show defiance, purposely doing what they have been told not to do.

According to Dr. Franci Crepeau-Hobson, an associate professor and director of clinical training at the University of Colorado Denver School of Psychology, most students have not seen the inside of a school in months due to the pandemic. They do not know what to expect, and because of this, “they have a tendency to externalize their emotions and exhibit a constant state of alarm.”

According to Safe and Sound Schools and other experts, the most important thing is to communicate with students. Take a school day and discuss – and show students – what steps have been taken to help protect their health, as well as the health of teachers and staff. 

For instance:

· If plexiglass barriers have been installed in lunch lines, make sure students see these.

· If lunch hours have been staggered – ensuring fewer people are in the foodservice areas at one time – explain why this is important.

· Clarify why masks must always be worn; schools should also have extra masks available for students.

· If more windows will be left open throughout the year, or ventilation systems have been updated to release more fresh air, make sure students are aware of this. Fresh air helps keep indoor air cleaner and more pathogen free.

· If more classes will be conducted in gym areas, explain why this is being done.

· Desks will always need to be facing the same direction and be at least six feet apart.

· Make sure students know what steps will be taken should someone -student, teacher or staff – tests positive for COVID.

School counselors should also hold chats with students, discussing that with the pandemic, it is reasonable to feel apprehensive. Some students may wonder if their feelings are justified or if others have the same concerns. Knowing they are shared can help reduce stress and tension.

We recommend that school officials ask their cleaning contractors to meet with students and discuss what steps they are taking to keep everyone in the school healthy. This is a perfect time to introduce students to new cleaning technologies such as electrostatic sprayers. These devices mist a disinfectant onto surfaces, proven to kill the pathogens that cause coronavirus.

Students should be aware of what steps have already been implemented to deep clean and disinfect the school before opening. Further, they should know that these deep cleaning programs are not one-time events but will continue throughout the school year. 

Some parents do not know which is worse due to the pandemic: sending their children back to school or keep them at home, where their education may suffer and the social interaction, which is so important to kids, is eliminated. Parents should not be in this situation. Taking the necessary steps and precautions, including implementing effective cleaning routines, should help keep reduce stress levels and help prevent the spread of this disease.