“As primary and secondary schools are about to start, many students may feel anxious, low in spirits, find it hard to concentrate, feel fatigued, have insomnia, lose their appetite, or have temper outbursts after transitioning from a colorful summer break to the new semester campus life. Some students also exhibit physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and stomach pain, which are manifestations of the ‘back-to-school syndrome.’” On the afternoon of August 26, a health seminar was being held in Qianzhu Village, Tangshan Town, Huantai County.
During the lecture, Zhang Yurong, deputy chief physician and psychological counselor at the Xingjia Health Clinic in Tangshan Town, focused on scientifically addressing the theme of “back-to-school syndrome.” She reminded parents to help their children adjust their daily routines before the start of school and to plan reasonable study, entertainment, and rest times together with their children, gradually developing habits to adapt to the rhythm of school life. Positive self-suggestion should be used, telling the children, “You are ready; I can succeed in the new semester,” to enhance confidence through continuous positive psychological reinforcement and greet the new semester with an optimistic mindset.
Simultaneously, Zhang Yurong referenced the recently published “Comprehensive Prevention and Control Technical Guidelines for Overweight and Obesity in Primary and Secondary School Students” by the National Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission, and General Administration of Sport, reminding parents that overweight and obesity have become significant public health issues affecting the health of primary and secondary school students, requiring high attention and collaborative efforts from society. For students with severe obesity or those with clinical risk factors, integrated interventions such as clinical, dietary, and behavioral corrections should be carried out. “Under the guidance of professionals, start with diet and exercise, and simultaneously conduct behavioral corrections, promptly addressing obesity and related diseases. If necessary, clinical treatment should be implemented.”
This is the “Protecting Seedlings Action” being carried out by the Xingjia Health Clinic in Tangshan Town. Zhang Yurong explained that students need a transition period for both physical and mental aspects when moving from summer life to learning on campus in the new semester. “Through professional mental health guidance, we hope to help parents and students adjust and embrace the new semester, promoting healthier and happier growth.”
“The best way to cope with back-to-school syndrome is to relax and adjust one’s state. Students can read books, browse the new semester’s learning content, and organize and summarize what they have learned to quickly adjust to the best learning state,” reminded Zhang Yurong. She emphasized that parents should encourage their children more, creating a relaxed and suitable learning atmosphere at home, and avoid harsh criticism or preachy education to prevent the children from developing rebellious psychology. “If children face psychological confusion or difficulties in parent-child communication, they should seek professional guidance and help promptly.”
