CHILDLINE ADVICE: How to help your child with the ‘new normal’ at school

As children return to school this week, they’re likely to become part of a ‘social bubble’.
Returning to school can be a daunting experience for children.Returning to school can be a daunting experience for children.
Returning to school can be a daunting experience for children.

This means that they might be put in a group; which can range from entire year group bubbles to class bubbles of just a few students.

Here at Childline, children have been telling our counsellors that they’re worried about what the bubbles mean for them and their existing friendship groups.

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“Before lockdown I used to spend a lot of time in a place at my school called the hub, for children who had trouble making friends. I had friends there, but none were my age.

“But now we are going to be in social bubbles- which is my year group- and it means I have to start socialising with others.”

It can be nerve-wracking to try and make new friends, especially if a child is put in a group of people they don’t know or haven’t spoken to before. So how can you help your child branch out while staying in their bubble?

It’s useful to start by reassuring them that the bubbles are put in place to help them be safer, and not as a punishment for anything they’ve done wrong. Explain that it’s one of the changes that the school is making, and it means they might not be in their usual class.

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Then, you can let them know a few ways that they can start making new friends, like practicing talking to new people. If they’re struggling to think of topics, you could help them go through things they enjoy, like films or games. You could do a roleplay with them, and teach them about asking questions and listening considerately and patiently.

If they’re more comfortable talking to people of the same age, children can use Childline’s online message boards as a safe, moderated forum to share experiences and coping mechanisms with young people who are, or have been, in a similar situation.

They can also use Childline, which is available on 0800 1111 or by visiting the website, to access free counselling as they adjust to the new normal.