The spokesperson, Tamara Cabrera, advocates for establishing clear routines, avoiding drastic changes, and reducing screen time.

SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 1 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Official College of Psychology of Santa Cruz de Tenerife highlights the importance of supporting children and adolescents as they start the new school year to facilitate emotional and behavioural adaptation.

In this context, spokesperson Tamara Cabrera explains that “the return to school should not be seen solely as the end of the holidays, but as a transition that combines emotional adjustment, habit regulation, and strengthening of routines.”

Adjusting to new school dynamics involves managing an emotional and social change that can generate excitement, but also nervousness and anxiety, the College emphasises in a statement.

Thus, it is important to recognise that this is a gradual process, which should be observed and supported during the initial months.

The College notes that returning to classes typically stirs mixed emotions, and discussing feelings, setting expectations for the new term, and validating those emotions are essential to prevent anticipatory anxiety.

Furthermore, it recommends that “establishing clear routines reduces uncertainty, enables the child to resume normality without sudden changes, and facilitates physiological and psychological adaptation.”

Among the main recommendations, Cabrera highlights the necessity of anticipating the return to routine, organising sleep schedules, meals, and activities, as well as openly communicating with children about their feelings, validating their concerns, and instilling confidence.

“Actively listening and normalising their worries helps to reinforce their emotional security,” she emphasises, while noting that “school adaptation cannot be understood without considering fundamental factors of health and well-being.”

SLEEP, BALANCED DIET, AND REGULAR EXERCISE

In her view, “restorative sleep, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity form the pillars of emotional and cognitive adjustment that directly impact attention, mood, and learning capacity.”

Another key factor in fostering a healthy transition to routine is reducing screen time, as excessive exposure can affect sleep quality, concentration, and emotional regulation.

“To ease the adjustment, it is important to gradually reduce the use of electronic devices in the days leading up to the start of classes, offering alternatives such as reading, sports activities, board games, or crafts. It is also advisable to avoid using them at least one hour before bedtime,” Cabrera advises.

Another important aspect is involving young people in the organisation and preparation for the return to routine, such as choosing materials or organising their study space, thereby fostering their autonomy and motivation and instilling the importance of being active and responsible participants in this adaptation process.

“Families, as key agents of socialisation, play an essential role at this stage. Conscious preparation contributes to ensuring that children and adolescents face the beginning of the school year with improved psychological well-being and a positive attitude toward learning,” she concludes.