Pupils Happy But Anxious To Be Back At School: Study

Most students who are returning to school after a months-long break are happy to get back to their studies, according to a new survey, though a majority of parents polled believe their children also feel pressure at resuming classes after a long period of home-schooling.

Older pupils from primary five upwards resumed classes at local schools last week after a lengthy school suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Those in primary four through to secondary two are to return on Monday, while even younger children follow on June 15.

The Hong Kong Institute of Family Education polled 615 parents whose children range from kindergarten-age to secondary school, and while 80 percent think their kids are happy to go back, six out of 10 believe they’re also somewhat anxious.

Parents were most worried that their children would have difficulty adjusting to their new daily routines; followed by concerns that they’d have difficulty catching up with their studies.

The institute's chief executive Tik Chi-yuen told RTHK’s Timmy Sung parents are well aware of their kids’ mixed feelings about school.

“Our study found that many students are happy to go back to school because they can meet their teachers and classmates. But there are several months without classroom learning. They feel anxious about going back to school as they don’t know what will happen,” he said.

He said the coronavirus situation still worries some of them.

“The situation is still a problem. Parents should educate their children to be aware of their personal hygiene and avoid any problem,” he said.