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UNE program reduces anxiety about starting school

February 04, 2005

A University of New England program for the parents of four-to-seven-year-olds is helping to prevent the development of anxiety and depression in some children as they progress through school.

Called “Confident Kids: Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety”, the program is designed for parents who have noticed signs of anxiety in their children about the experience of starting school, going into a new class, or other novel events or changes to routine.

Dr Margaret Brechman-Toussaint from UNE’s School of Psychology, who manages the program, said: “About one child in ten starting school develops clinical levels of anxiety in their later primary years, and these children can go on to develop symptoms of depression at high school.”

“Young children who become distressed when they have to separate from their parent or caregiver, and/or who are shy and withdrawn in social situations, may be at risk of ongoing anxiety problems,” she explained. “Additionally, many parents of anxious or shy children find the beginning of the school year a stressful time, particularly if they believe their child will have trouble settling in to the new routine. If they are unsure about the best way to manage their child’s behaviour, they may become stressed and anxious themselves.”

The “Confident Kids” program, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, works by early intervention at the beginning of a child’s school career. “It is now in its third year,” Dr Brechman-Toussaint said, “and the feedback from previous years has been very positive.” She said that sessions for parents would soon begin in Armidale and Tamworth, and that those interested in participating should contact her at UNE on (02) 6773 3135 (or e-mail: mbrechma@une.edu.au).

The program, delivered by trained psychologists, consists of four weekly, two-hour group sessions for parents, followed by individual telephone calls to help them put into practice what they have learnt. “Parents are taught anxiety management strategies, how to model and reward non-anxious behaviours, and how to coach children in active problem-solving skills,” she said. “The skills that parents learn through their involvement in this program will not only help their families as the children start school, but will be helpful across their life span as they and their children face other challenges.”

Dr Brechman-Toussaint, a registered clinical psychologist, is a Lecturer within the Clinical Program at UNE. She has 12 years’ experience in the delivery of parenting programs, specialising in programs for children with emotional or behavioural problems.


Media contact: Dr Margaret Brechman-Toussaint, School of Psychology, UNE (02) 6773 3135 or Jim Scanlan, Public Relations, UNE (02) 6773 3049.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at February 4, 2005 01:49 PM