SCHOOL is back and a children’s psychologist has revealed five tips to help kids jump back into learning.

After two years of changing routines, home-schooling, increased device usage, and prolonged social isolation, new research from SFI Health reveals that two thirds (67%) of Aussies are worried this will have long-term impacts on children’s health and wellbeing in the classroom in 2022.

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The research, which was conducted with over 2,000 Australians, also found; one in three Aussies (33%) believe that the various changes to school routines will impact children’s learning, as well as increase their social/general anxiety (23%) and decrease their focus (22%); one quarter of parents (23%) identified being unhappy with online learning, as it led to their children being more distracted and unable to focus on the task at hand; a large majority (66%) of parents claimed their children spent way too much time on screens during lockdown, which they fear will continue to impact their cognition back at school; and 96% of parents have tried different strategies to help their children reduce screen time including time limits, digital detoxes and tactile activities.

When it comes to the back-to-school season, leading children’s psychologist Deirdre Brandner believes that one of the biggest challenges for students will be maintaining their cognitive health – particularly as it relates to their ability to concentrate, stay focussed and retain the information that has been impacted after months of disrupted learning.

Deirdre Brandner said, “Children going back to school in 2022 is a welcome relief to many parents, however, there remain some long-term disadvantages of the remote learning experiences.

“Parents did their very best to engage children in schoolwork during this time, however the reality was that children had to cope with many challenges.

“Managing distractions, adapting to learning online, interrupted routines and lack of structured face to face learning experiences has impacted their cognitive abilities.

“Whilst kids are resilient, it’s important for parents to be conscious of the warning signs that their children are struggling cognitively, such as consistently losing focus, becoming very distracted and unable to sit still, or just generally not learning at the pace they used to be able to.”

Dr Deirdre Brandner shares five tips to best support children on their return to school that parents can implement today to set them up for success in the classroom, so they can function at optimum levels.

She is advocating for bringing back routines, ensuring good nutrition, setting some New Years goals, bringing the band back together again and rewards and recognition.

When it comes to routine, Dr Brandner said, “We are all guilty of allowing holidays to weaken some of our household rules, in particular, later bedtimes, less monitoring, and increased device time.”

She believes that now is the perfect time to get your children back into some form of everyday routine.

Routine changes will make a big impact and help your children get back into the right physical and mental mindset for school.

Good nutrition is essential for learning, and a healthy and balanced diet that provides children with the nutrition they need is essential to support them as they go back to school.

Studies frequently demonstrate that diet is tied closely to classroom function, so it is important to ensure that your child is getting the right balance of food groups that will help them perform at optimal levels in the classroom.

“Work with your child to create a list of what they would want to achieve in 2022.

“By setting goals, you are putting them into a ‘do’ mindset.

“Tying this closely to their own desires and achievements will also really help boost their motivation levels.”

In bringing the band back together you are boosting your child’s resilience and addressing mental health issues.

“Social anxiety and fears impact children significantly and result in heightened emotions.

“As such, distraction, poor focus, and concentration can see children struggle cognitively in the classroom.

“Positive social relationships and management of anxiety will ensure greater learning outcomes for children.

“Even for children that love school, going back after a long break can feel overwhelming.

“A great way parents can help set them up before the school year commences is to implement a rewards system that aligns with your child’s interests and tether them to goals.

“As parents we need to encourage and allow children to reach for their potential by supporting the ‘you can do it’ approach,” she said.

If you are noticing signs that your child is struggling cognitively in the classroom for extended periods of time, it is paramount that you seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional such as a GP or pharmacist.

By Marian SAMPSON