Coping with schools closing

It’s natural to have questions about what’s happening, whether it’s safe and what it means for you. It’s always okay to ask when you’re not sure.

Your school should have a plan on how they’re going to support you, how long they’ll be closed and what you’ll be doing when you go back. If you’re not sure about what’s happening, remember that you can always ask a teacher you trust or someone at home.

If you’re scared to talk about what’s happening or you’re not sure who to ask, remember that you can always speak to us.

Whether it’s starting later, going to a new school or having to learn in different ways, change can feel stressful sometimes.

It can help to make a list of the things you’re worried about, as well as the things and people that can help when things are getting tough. Remember that things can get easier over time. If you’re having to move to a new school because of what’s happening, we’ve got tips to help.

Lots of young people spoke to us about their experiences of remote learning during the lockdown, and you might have lots of feelings about doing it again if your school is closed.

Whatever your feelings are about remote learning, there are some tips that can make it easier:

• Keep in touch
  Make sure you’re talking to your teachers, classmates and other people during the day. Sharing your experiences is an important part of learning and can help you feel less isolated.
• Make a routine
  Routines can help you to feel better and keep motivated. It can help to act as if you are going to school, including making sure you’re up, ready and dressed for lessons.
• Take breaks
  Breaks are really important to help you feel fresh and able to keep going, especially when you’re feeling stressed. You could speak to someone you care about, do something you enjoy or look at ways to feel calmer.
• Say when it’s hard
  Lots of people have times when they’re struggling, feeling low or need help with their work. When you’re learning remotely it can be harder for people to notice this, but it’s always okay to say it. We’ve got advice on asking an adult for help to make it easier to start conversations.

Want to share tips or experiences about remote learning? Try posting on the message boards.

The summer holidays can be hard when you’re feeling unsafe or unhappy at home. If you were looking forward to going back to school to get away from things at home, it can be really hard to find out that’s been delayed or changed.

Whether you’re at school or not, you have the right to feel safe and cared for. If things are feeling hard, you don’t have to cope alone.

Childline is here to support with anything that might be happening. Our counsellors can talk to you about how you’re feeling, what you’d like to do and ways to cope in the future.

There are lots of ways to get support:

• Call us on 0800 1111
• Talk to us online using the 1-2-1 chats
• Create an account to send us a private message
• Talk to us in BSL via an interpreter using SignVideo

Find out more about contacting us.