Children and Youth

Vancouver Island – School starts next week and while some children may be excited to see friends and get back into a routine, other children will feel anxious and worried.

“It’s very common for children and youth to experience anxiety and stress as they head back to school,” says Island Health Psychologist, Lisa Van Bruggen, Ph.D. “Try role-playing through what may be socially challenging situations for some children such as not having close friends in class or being assigned a tough teacher. Having a plan can reduce anxiousness.”

Vancouver Island – It’s time to start thinking outside the brown bag! As children and teens head back to class they will need more than just books and pens to have a successful year, they will also need healthy, nutritious and interesting snacks and lunches.

Vancouver Island – Students are heading back to school in a week and Island Health wants to help them make sure it’s a happy and healthy year. There are three simple ways to make the school year more successful: