Introduction

Schools demand more of students than ever before. Federal and state legislation have raised the bar, requiring students to meet higher standards, and holding teachers accountable for ensuring that students reach these benchmarks. Despite the varied pressures, educators strive to address each student's individual needs. They often work with students one-on-one, or look for additional support when students encounter significant learning, social, or emotional barriers. However, there is one area that parents and educators often overlook--the stress that students encounter. This article discusses ways of dealing with student stress, and it provides strategies for helping students cope with their most common stressors.

Stress in children can be just as prevalent as stress in adults. In either case, the effects of too much stress can have long-standing consequences. Significant stress can adversely affect student performance, while too much stress also can adversely affect both physical and emotional well being. Unfortunately, unlike students with behavior problems, physical complaints, or hyperactivity, the warning signs of serious student stress may not be as clear. As children grow older, there is always concern that they might turn to negative outlets, including drug abuse, physical aggression toward others, or self injury, to deal with their stress. Left untreated, cumulative stress has been associated with anxiety disorders and depression in the young adult population. Here are more common stressors that children may experience, and how parents and teachers can help.

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