Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is helping parents and caregivers recognise the early signs of school-related stress in children.
School-related stress is becoming an increasing concern as academic pressure, social challenges, and home-life demands continue to rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health challenges among children and adolescents are increasing worldwide, with around one in seven young people affected by a diagnosable mental health condition. Local estimates indicate that the rate may be even higher in some regions, with many of these difficulties linked to school pressure, bullying, exam stress, and unstable home environments.
Stress affects both young children and teens, yet the signs are often overlooked or mistaken for “normal growing pains”. Recognising these early signals can help caregivers step in before stress becomes overwhelming.
“Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“That’s why adults need to pay close attention to changes in behaviour, mood, or routine, as these are often the earliest warning signs that a child is struggling.”
Here’s how to spot school-related stress and when to seek help.
Behavioural Changes: The First Red Flags
Behavioural shifts are often the earliest signs that something isn’t right. These changes can look different depending on the child’s age.
In younger children (6–12):
- Sudden clinginess or separation anxiety.
- Avoiding school or making excuses not to go.
- Increased irritability or tantrums.
- Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy.
In teens (13–18):
- Withdrawing from family or friends.
- Sudden drop in motivation.
- Skipping school or avoiding certain classes.
- Spending excessive time online or isolated in their room.
Physical Symptoms that Don’t Have a Clear Cause
School stress often shows up as physical symptoms, especially in children who struggle to express their feelings. When the body is overwhelmed, it can react in ways that look like illness, such as frequent stomach aches, headaches, difficulty sleeping or nightmares, constant fatigue, or general body aches. Many parents notice that their child feels “sick” on school mornings but seems fine over weekends, a strong indication that stress, rather than illness, may be the cause.
Emotional Warning Signs
Children under stress often feel emotions they can’t fully understand or express. Signs to watch for include increased worry or fear, sudden crying or emotional outbursts, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, and being overly sensitive to criticism. Teens may show emotional stress differently, often through frustration, irritability, or anger. If your child frequently says things like “I can’t do this”, “School is too hard”, or “No one likes me”, it’s important not to dismiss it.
Changes in Academic Performance
A child dealing with stress may struggle to concentrate or remember information, rush through assignments, procrastinate, fall behind in class, or lose interest in subjects they previously enjoyed. These changes are not always signs of laziness; instead, they can indicate mental overload, especially when school demands feel too heavy. A sudden drop in marks is often a signal that your child is having difficulty coping.
Social Problems
Social pressures are a significant source of anxiety for many children and teens. They may be dealing with bullying (in person or online), friendship problems, peer pressure, or worries about fitting in. Signs of social stress can include avoiding conversations about friends, not wanting to join group activities, spending breaks alone, or showing fear or reluctance about going to school. Online bullying is prevalent among teens and can be hard for parents to detect unless they pay attention to sudden changes in behaviour.
Stress at Home Makes School Stress Worse
Children also face stressors at home that can make school even more complicated to manage, such as disrupted routines, long travel times, financial or family pressures, or instability in their environment. When home life feels uncertain, schoolwork becomes more overwhelming. Younger children may become clingier or show behaviour regressions, while teens may withdraw emotionally or seem “shut down”.
How to Help Your Child Manage School-Related Stress
Seeing that early support makes a huge difference, you shouldn’t wait until things get worse.
Here’s what can help:
- Encourage your child to share feelings without fear of judgment.
- Consistent sleep, mealtimes, and homework schedules reduce anxiety.
- Communicate with teachers and attend meetings or parent evenings.
- Balanced meals, daily movement, and screen-time limits help regulate mood.
- Breathing exercises, journaling, or mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety.
- If stress lasts more than two weeks or affects daily life, speak to a healthcare professional.
The Bottom Line
School-related stress is real, and without support, it can affect a child’s well-being, confidence, and academic performance. Recognising the signs early can make all the difference. With understanding, routine, open communication, and the right professional help when needed, children can learn to cope and thrive both in and out of the classroom. Affinity Health offers accessible, affordable healthcare support to help families get the guidance and care they need when school stress becomes overwhelming.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.