ISS issues guidance for managing school reentry anxiety in Italy

As schools in Italy prepare to reopen, starting with Bolzano, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) has issued guidance to help families manage ‘back to school blues’ and potential anxiety.

Experts Chiara Cattaneo and Vittorio Palermo note that psychological distress manifests differently across age groups. Younger children may struggle with separation from caregivers, while older students often face stress regarding academic performance or social exclusion. Physical symptoms such as stomach aches, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances are also common indicators of psychological discomfort.

To mitigate these issues, experts recommend gradually restoring school routines in the days leading up to the start of classes, including adjusting sleep schedules. The upcoming academic year also faces challenges such as teacher shortages and new reforms regarding student conduct and psychological support services in schools.