Topics · Nicosia
School problems
School is a big part of a child's life. When things get hard there, it usually shows at home too. Behind falling grades or a refusal to go to school there is often something worth listening to.
What may lie behind the difficulty
School problems rarely have a single cause. They may be linked to anxiety, a learning difficulty, problems with attention, relationships with classmates or teachers, bullying, or something happening in the family, such as a separation or a house move.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that many mental health difficulties begin in childhood and adolescence, and that school is one of the most important places where they can be spotted early and supported.
Signs worth noticing
If any of the following lasts for weeks, it is worth talking it through:
- Refusing, or being very upset, every morning before school
- Frequent headaches or tummy aches on school days
- A sudden drop in grades or loss of interest
- Strong anxiety before tests and exams
- Frequent comments from teachers about behaviour in class
- Being alone at break time or having few friends
- Long hours of homework with little result, ending in arguments at home
How we can help
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia we start by trying to understand what is going on. We talk with the parents, meet the child or teenager and, where useful, suggest an assessment or diagnostic sessions. If input from other specialists is needed, we work with our external associates in multidisciplinary sessions.
This may be followed by individual sessions for your child, parent sessions or family meetings. The aim is for your child to feel more confident again, learn to manage stress and find ways of studying that suit them. Sessions take place in person or online, privately or through GeSY where it applies.
Your first appointment
We usually start with a meeting with the parents. We will ask what you have noticed, since when, how your child is at home and what the teachers are saying. If you have school reports, test papers or notes from school, please bring them along. With teenagers, it often helps for them to come from the start. What is said stays confidential.
For parents
When a child struggles at school, home can easily turn into a battleground. A few things that often help:
- Ask how their day went, not only what mark they got
- Praise effort and small steps forward
- Keep a steady routine for sleep, homework and rest
- Talk to teachers calmly, as partners
- If your child refuses to go to school, do not let it go on for long before asking for help
When you need help straight away
If a child or teenager talks about self-harm, says they do not want to live, or if their safety or the safety of others is at risk, do not wait. Call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
Frequently asked questions
Will you speak to the school?
Only if you want us to and with your consent. Working together with the school often helps a child a great deal.
My teenager does not want to come. What can I do?
That is common. You can come first on your own. We will talk about how to suggest it to them, and online sessions may feel like an easier first step.
Do you help with exam stress?
Yes. We work with children and teenagers on managing stress, organising their studying and building confidence.
Is an assessment always needed?
No. Once we have heard what is happening, we will tell you whether an assessment would help or whether another kind of support is enough.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- World Health Organization: Mental health of adolescents
- WHO Europe: One in 7 children and adolescents in the WHO European Region lives with a mental health condition (13/11/2025)
- UNICEF: Parenting
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.