How Does Anxiety Impact Kids at School?

Anxiety can affect kids in surprising ways, especially in the classroom. In this blog, we’ll break down the different ways anxiety can show up at school, why it happens, and how to recognize the signs—so parents and teachers can better support anxious kids.

What You’ll Learn:

• Signs of anxiety in children at school

• Physical symptoms of anxiety in children

• Why is anxiety sometimes confused with ADHD or learning disorders?

You know that jittery feeling before a big test? That’s classic anxiety—it’s easy to spot. But sometimes, anxiety in kids shows up in ways that don’t seem obvious at first. A kid with a stomach ache every morning? A student who can’t sit still or is acting out? A child struggling with focus? These can all be signs of anxiety, even though they might look like ADHD, a learning issue, or just “bad behavior.”

Anxiety comes in different shapes and sizes, which is why it can be tricky to recognize. But one thing is always true: anxiety has a way of “locking up” the brain, making it really hard for kids to focus and learn.

Types of Anxiety in Children

Separation Anxiety

Some kids get really worried about being away from their parents. They might cry at drop-off, refuse to go to school, or check in with their parents constantly throughout the day.

Social Anxiety

This is when kids feel super self-conscious and worry about being judged. They might avoid participating in class, struggle with group work, or keep to themselves at recess.

Selective Mutism

Some children feel so anxious that they can’t speak in certain situations—like in class, even if they talk fine at home.

Generalized Anxiety

These kids worry about everything—their grades, friendships, getting called on, making mistakes—you name it. Perfectionism can be a big struggle for them.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Some kids deal with intrusive, stressful thoughts and feel the need to do repetitive actions (like counting, checking, or excessive hand-washing) to ease their anxiety.

Specific Phobias

An intense fear of things like dogs, storms, or fire drills can make certain situations unbearable for anxious kids.

How to Spot Anxiety in Kids at School

1. Inattention & Restlessness

If a child is zoning out, fidgeting, or seems “off in their own world,” we might assume it’s ADHD—but anxiety can look just like that, too. Their brain might be so full of worries that they can’t focus on what’s happening in class.

2. School Avoidance & Clinginess

Skipping school doesn’t always mean a kid is rebellious. For some, it’s because school makes them incredibly anxious—especially after a break or sick day. Clingy kids might also struggle with separation anxiety and feel the need to text or call their parents throughout the day.

3. Acting Out & Disruptive Behavior

Some kids explode when they’re anxious. They might throw a fit over a schedule change, keep asking the same question over and over, or even lash out physically when they feel overwhelmed. Their fight-or-flight response kicks in, and for some kids, that means acting out.

4. Freezing Up When Called On

Ever notice that one quiet child who suddenly looks really busy writing something when the teacher is looking for someone to call on (even though they’re not)? That’s often an anxious child trying to disappear. And if they do get called on, they might freeze—even if they know the answer.

5. Frequent Trips to the Nurse

Sometimes anxiety shows up as physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea. If a child is constantly in the nurse’s office with no clear illness, anxiety might be the culprit.

6. Struggles in Certain Subjects

When a child begins to doubt their abilities in a subject, anxiety can make it even harder for them to learn or demonstrate what they know. In some cases, this anxiety might be mistaken for a learning disorder when it’s actually just fear and self-doubt getting in the way.

However, anxiety and learning disorders often go hand in hand. When kids realize they’re struggling more than their peers or falling behind, it’s natural for them to feel anxious. The time before a learning disorder is identified can be especially stressful, as they may not understand why things feel so difficult.

7. Not Turning in Homework

When a student doesn’t turn in their homework, it might not be because they didn’t do it—sometimes, they’re simply worried it’s not good enough. Anxiety can cause kids to second-guess themselves, spending so much time striving for perfection that they never finish the assignment. While we often see perfectionism as a positive trait, being overly self-critical can sabotage even their best efforts.

Some anxious kids may start stressing about tests much earlier than their classmates, eventually dreading certain assignments, subjects, or even school altogether.

8. Avoiding Social Situations & Group Work

Some kids will do anything to avoid things that make them anxious such as presentations, gym class, or even eating in the cafeteria. It may seem like they’re uninterested or not trying, but that’s not always the case. Often, they’re avoiding these situations because they fear making a mistake or being judged. Teachers might notice these kids do much better in one-on-one settings.

Child Anxiety Resources

Recognizing anxiety in kids at school can be tricky, but understanding the different ways it shows up is the first step in helping them succeed. Whether it looks like restlessness, avoidance, acting out, or perfectionism, anxiety can have a big impact on a child’s learning and well-being. With the right support, kids can develop coping skills to manage their anxiety and feel more confident in the classroom. At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, our team of licensed psychologists and therapists specialize in identifying and treating childhood anxiety. We also provide parents with tools and strategies to help their child thrive.

If you’re ready to take the next step or have any questions, contact us, we’d love to hear from you! For more information on childhood anxiety, check out our psychologists’ top book recommendations.