School and the Anxious Teen – Strategies for Success and Support in Arizona

• Encourage them to open up by creating a safe, comfortable, and open space. 
• Use open-ended questions to encourage free expression. 
• Acknowledge their feelings and concerns. Show that you understand the pressure they may be experiencing. 
• Share any relevant experiences to help them feel less alone. 
• Strive to find solutions rather than dwelling on the problem. However, be sure to include them in the solution-finding process. 
• Do not pressure them to talk of or divulge any information they may not be ready to share. 
• Check in with them to know how they are doing. 

Above all, seek help from school counselors, therapists, and support groups if your teen’s condition worsens. Also, do the same if you feel overwhelmed.

The following tailored study techniques can benefit teens with anxiety: 

• Studying for short intervals, followed by short breaks: This helps reduce anxiety and maintain concentration. 
• Breaking down study materials into smaller, manageable chunks: Prevents overwhelm and helps with focus. 
• Joining peer study groups to share ideas and obtain support. 
• Teaching others: Promotes understanding and boosts confidence. 
• Visual organization of information by color coding notes and study materials: Improves comprehension and retention. 
• Creating visual diagrams or maps in the brain to represent complex concepts helps improve understanding.

The following strategies should help your teenager manage test anxiety in the moment: 

• Deep breathing exercises. 
• Positive affirmation and self-talk. 
• Visualizing themselves succeeding. 
• Prioritizing questions and allocating time wisely. 
• Staying grounded and focused on the present moment. This can be achieved through mindfulness techniques and activities. 
• Releasing nervous energy through small physical movements. They can stretch or tap their feet.

Here is how you can approach teachers and school administrators to discuss accommodations for an anxious teenager: 

• Schedule a meeting. Remember to indicate the purpose, which is to discuss your teen’s anxiety and potential accommodations. 
• Highlight all the relevant details regarding your teen’s anxiety during the meeting. 
• Mention the challenges your teen faces in school as a result of their anxiety. 
• Share any previous strategies or accommodations that may have benefited your teen in their academic pursuit. 
• Propose any specific accommodations or interventions that you believe could help your teenager. 
• Collaborate with school administrators and teachers to develop a conclusive list of all necessary accommodations. You should also work out on layout plans for their implementation. 
• Offer required resources. 
• Follow up with the school for progress monitoring and adjustments. 

Additionally, keep in touch with teachers and the school’s administration to address any new changes or challenges.

The following may indicate that your teenager’s anxiety warrants an individualized education plan (IEP): 

• Sudden or prolonged academic decline. 
• Avoidance of the school environment or academic-related activities. 
• Physical symptoms. These include stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue. 
• Withdrawal from social interactions
• Lack of interest in previously enjoyed extracurricular activities. 
• Intense fear of failure or making mistakes. 
• Chronic procrastination
• Frequent and intense mood swings
• Emotional outbursts due to perceived failure or academic pressure. 
• Constantly seeking reassurance regarding their academic performance or competence. 

Here is how you can help your teenager establish healthy boundaries around digital devices and social media use: 

• Be a good role model by portraying healthy digital habits. 
• Have an open dialogue with them about digital devices and social media. Let them know the risks of excessive screen time and social media use. 
• Set clear limits. Spell out clear guidelines regarding specific digital devices and social media usage. 
• Encourage and help them engage in offline activities like sports and hobbies. 
• Encourage face-to-face interactions and relaxation within the house. 
• Have tech-free zones in the house. A good zone would be the dining room. 
• Monitor their online activities and interactions. However, refrain from being too intrusive. 
• Teach them self-regulation skills. 
• Encourage them to use social media positively. Positive social media usage covers creative expression and positive interactions.

You can encourage your teen to recognize and celebrate their academic successes and progress, however big or small, by: 

• Praising different accomplishments. For example, you can praise them for completing an assignment or improving in a subject. 
• Creating a home environment that values and celebrates academic effort, progress, and success. 
• Helping your teenager set achievable academic goals. You should celebrate whenever they achieve them or reach a milestone. 
• Tailoring rewards to their interests and preferences. You can get them their favorite meal or a personalized gift. 
• Creating family rituals or traditions for celebrating academic success. For example, you can take your family on an outing or dinner every time someone performs well in school. 

Above all, show interest in your teenager’s academic journey.