Children’s happiness plummets when they leave primary school: Five red flags to look out for if you feel your child is struggling with the jump to secondary education

26% of parents have noted a visible decline in their child’s educational progression as they enter secondary school

The UK’s most trusted tutoring platform now launches FREE online tutoring classes to support students throughout the autumn term

In a new study by the universities of Cambridge and Manchester, data reveals the happiness of children significantly plummets as they leave primary school and enter secondary school. Surveying more than 11,000 children across the UK on how they felt about their friends, school, and family, they found that while most children were satisfied with life at age 11, the majority were majorly dissatisfied when they reached age 14. This plummeting satisfaction directly correlates with the jump from primary to secondary education. Further to this, parents have similarly noted a drop in their child’s academic achievement, with a new report from MyTutor, the UK’s most trusted tutoring platform, finding that 26% of parents have noted a visible decline in their child’s educational progression as they enter secondary school. As such, MyTutor, has put together a the five red flags to look out for if they feel their child might be struggling with the jump to secondary school. They get angry when you bring up school

Teens may not be the most open when you ask them about school or how their day was, but if you’re seeing a big difference in their mood since the start of school, it could be a sign that they’re struggling. They might have gaps in their learning or having a hard time staying on top of their homework. If they’re lashing out more than usual, there’s a chance their confidence has taken a knock.

They spend too much time on homework

When students move up a level – like the jump from up from primary to secondary school, it’s normal for them to spend a bit more time on their work. But if they’re struggling for hours and hours on the same subject, then they might need extra help. Check in with them by offering snacks or a drink– and see what their body language is saying. If they’re hunched over and look deflated, there’s a chance they’re having a hard time and may need some extra help.

They’re not sleeping or eating well If they’re struggling at school, it can have a negative knock-on effect when it comes to your teen’s physical health. Thoughts like, ‘I’m stupid,’ or ‘no one likes me,’ can keep them up at all hours. Sleep is so important to their wellbeing, so you want to nip their worries in the bud. As a parent, you’ll know the tell-tale signs of when they’re not getting enough sleep. Do they look tired? Are they falling asleep in class, or at strange times of the day? Are they more irritable than usual? And when they’re stressed, their appetite can take a hit, too. Are they skipping meals? Leaving lots of food on their plate? Or, are they eating tons of junk food? Under-eating, and overeating are both red flags when it comes to their wellbeing.

They’ve lost interest in the things they usually enjoy Hobbies and interests are so important to your teen’s wellbeing. It helps them stay balanced. But if they’re pulling away from the things they love– like football practice, or even just watching their favourite shows, it might be a sign that things aren’t going well at school.

They’re spending a lot of time alone When they’re not seeing friends and keeping to themselves more than usual, it might be a sign that they’re going through something. There are behaviours you can look out for. Like if they’re lying in bed staring up at the ceiling, or at their screens for hours at a time– it’s a good idea to check-in to see what’s going on.

It’s completely normal for you to worry when your teen’s having a hard time at school. But there’s still lots you can do as a parent to help them along:

Have regular chats

Spending regular time together makes it easier for your teen to open up. Dr Louise Egan, - would remove hyperlink a child psychologist, says, ‘There’s no quick fix.’ But if you put your teen in the driver’s seat by asking them, ‘What can I do to help?’ you might be surprised by how much they share. And with lots of chats and encouragement, you can help them work out how to get on track.

Source free online learning resources to make sure their education isn’t impacted further by the cost-of-living crisis

MyTutor is launching their ‘MyTutor Squads’ for students looking for free interactive learning resources on the subjects that students are struggling the most with. Offering free online tutoring sessions in Maths, Coding, and Smart Study Habits, MyTutor is proof that a well-rounded education that sets your child up for success, doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. ‘MyTutor Squads’ start 10 October and run until 16th December, for all students seeking extra support free online tutoring classes throughout the autumn term.

About MyTutor’s Free Online Tutoring Sessions

Launched to make it easier for teens to get the study support they need, MyTutor’s group tutoring sessions will be held weekly and hosted on their YouTube channel, all of which are completely free of charge and will run from 10 October to 16 December - the entire autumn term. Led by an array of MyTutor’s most experienced tutors, sessions will cover core topics such as Maths and Coding - relevant to GCSE Computer Science, and to teens who want to give it a go.

Further to this, the free online tutoring classes will also include access to ‘Study Squad’ - sessions to teach teens a series of techniques to help them learn, remember and revise, so they can achieve their best in every subject.

Parents can sign their teens up, and teens can sign themselves up here.