Sangha of Auspicious Companions

A Skill to Help Soothe Teens’ Back-to-School Anxiety

Teen anxiety is heightened during back-to-school season, and while mindfulness is often suggested, it may miss the mark for growing adolescents. Instead, a compassion-based approach that focuses on relationship building and empathy may offer more profound support. SEE Learning’s program at Emory University has shown significant benefits in fostering empathy and social connections in adolescents. Teens are eager for methods that go beyond individual stress coping, seeking to understand themselves and their place in the world. As the article states, “Teens are not just asking to feel calm, they’re asking to feel seen.” By intertwining mindfulness with compassion, we can provide teens with tools to nurture their social ties and find meaning.

Be The Change

Engage in a regular practice of active listening with a teen, asking about their concerns and showing genuine interest in their world.