The early warning signs of school stress are often easy to miss, says one education expert.
“Most students won’t come out and say ‘I need help’, but their behaviour will,” Success Tutoring founder Michael Black said.
“The key is knowing what to look for before it affects their results or wellbeing.”
Mr Black said parents should pay close attention to behavioural and emotional cues that might indicate their child is falling behind or feeling overwhelmed.
“While school reports are helpful, the reality is that they are only issued twice a year and understanding how a child is coping at school isn’t always straightforward,” he said.
“There are some simple things parents can look out for.
“If your child is suddenly putting off homework, avoiding revision or creating endless distractions, it may not be laziness.
“Avoidance is often a signal that a student feels unprepared or incapable.
“This is often a very reliable sign that your child may be struggling at school.
“They may not know where to start, feel embarrassed about falling behind, or fear that trying and failing is worse than not trying at all.
“This impacts the child’s education journey and also their self-esteem and confidence.”
Mr Black said a shift in your child’s attitude toward school or a noticeable dip in their results could point to more than academic difficulty.
“When students start believing they are ‘not smart enough’ or ‘bad at exams’, it damages their motivation and self-belief,” he said.
“This lack of confidence quickly impacts their performance across multiple subjects.
“It is important to recognise when a child is engaging in negative self-talk and to step in with reassurance and support before it affects their confidence and wellbeing.”
Mr Black urged parents to pay attention to mood swings, irritability, anxiety or withdrawal, especially when school or exams are mentioned.
“Emotional distress is a major indicator that your child may be silently struggling,” he said.
“This can show up as tears, anger, silence, or even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue leading up to study time.”
He said recognising these signs early could make all the difference.
“The right support at the right time can change the way a student approaches challenges,” he said.
“It’s not just about results, it’s about belief in themselves.”
