AS children across Wales return to school, NSPCC Cymru/Wales has offered snapshots from youngsters who have contacted the charity’s Childline service, a quote from a Childline spokesperson, advice for parents and carers, and spokespeople for interview.

A 17-year-old girl said: “I was kicked out of my friendship group just before summer started; over what, I have no idea. One minute they were good, then they weren’t.

“I can’t believe how quickly they turned on me. Now all I can think about is when school starts again, I will have to see their smug faces every day.

“I will hear them laugh and have fun while I’m stuck by myself. I don’t want to be alone. I just want to belong.”

An 11-year-old girl also said: “The past few days, I’ve been feeling an urge to self-harm again. I stopped about two months ago but I’m not doing well with time off school.

“I don’t know what to do. School is kind of how I get distracted from my own thoughts so I don’t feel so empty while I’m there.”

Louise Israel, a team manager for Childline in Wales, said: “As the school holidays reach an end, there will be many children feeling excited about going back to school.

“But after 18 months of disruption, we know from contacts to the NSPCC’s Childline service that, for others, it will be an anxious time.

“Some children will be feeling worried about starting a new school, especially if they haven’t been able to explore their new surroundings beforehand as they would normally, or they may be concerned about being around a lot of people again.

“Our counsellors at Childline have heard from children worried about bullying, keeping up with schoolwork, recent exam results and from others concerned about their appearance because of physical changes to their body.

“Whatever the reason underpinning their concerns, it’s important children have someone they can talk to, which is why as well as speaking to the trusted adults in their lives, young people can also talk to our Childline counsellors who are there to listen around the clock, 24/7.”

To help calm your child’s nerves and make sure they’re prepared for the school term, NSPCC Cymru/Wales recommends that parents try:

•Readjusting bed times before they go back, to get into a healthy routine

•Making sure they aren’t bringing their mobiles, tablets, or any devices to bed that might stop them sleeping

•Helping them get the correct clothing or uniform and equipment ready

•Making sure they eat breakfast each morning

•Talking through the school day with younger children, including playtimes and lunch time

•Making sure younger children know who is collecting them after school and from where

Children can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice 24/7 on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk.

Children can also visit Childline’s Calm Zone, which offers lots of practical tips and activities on how to destress, and there are moderated message boards where they can find peer support.

Any adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or via help@NSPCC.org.uk.