Marking New Academic Year, TRENDS Observatory Calls Family, Community Support as Key to a Safe Return to School
Findings of a study involving approximately 279,000 students aged 11-15 across 44 countries revealed the pivotal role of family support in improving students’ experiences.TRENDS Observatory for the Study of Social Phenomena, part of TRENDS Group, affirmed that returning to school is not just the start of a new academic year, but an important transitional phase that requires the combined efforts of families, schools, and the community to provide a supportive environment that strengthens students’ sense of safety and belonging and helps them adapt psychologically and socially to the demands of school life.In a social analysis marking the start of the new academic year and examining the impact of family and community support on students’ experiences, the Observatory explained that a successful return to school is not measured by attendance and regular school participation alone, but also by the extent to which the environment surrounding students can provide a network of support, care, and trust that positively affects their mental well-being, social interaction, and ability to learn.The Observatory noted that an international study involving approximately 279,000 students aged 11 to 15 across 44 countries and regions revealed the pivotal role of family support in improving students’ experiences. The proportion of students reporting high levels of family support declined from 73 percent to 67 percent, while support from friends fell from 61 percent to 58 percent.Meanwhile, the findings showed that feelings of school pressure among 15-year-old girls increased from 54 percent to 63 percent. In comparison, among boys of the same age, they rose from 40 percent to 43 percent, highlighting the importance of strengthening psychological and social support networks, particularly during stages of schooling characterized by growing pressures and challenges.The Observatory confirmed that family support and support from friends are associated with better mental health and well-being outcomes and contribute to students’ readiness for school and their ability to face challenges and respond positively to changes in their academic and social lives.Sultan Majed Al Ali, General Manager of TRENDS Observatory, said: “Returning to school represents an important social and psychological milestone in students’ lives. It should not be viewed only as an organizational transition from the holiday period back to the classroom, but rather as a comprehensive experience shaped by the quality of relationships within the family and school and among friends. The more students feel surrounded by support, trust, and understanding, the better able they are to adapt, learn, and participate positively.”He added that families play an essential role during this phase by listening to their children, understanding their concerns and aspirations, and attending to their psychological and social needs. Schools also play a role in creating a safe, stimulating learning environment that accounts for individual differences among students and fosters positive communication.Sultan Majed noted that community support also serves as a complementary element in the framework for academic success, explaining that integrating the roles played by families, schools, friends, and community institutions helps build more balanced students who are better able to cope with pressures and achieve success.The General Manager of TRENDS Observatory for the Study of Social Phenomena concluded his statement by emphasizing that a successful return to school is not measured solely by attendance and discipline, but also by our collective ability to provide an environment in which every student feels seen, heard, and supported, and knows that there is someone to stand by them throughout their journey of learning and growth.
Sultan Majed Al Ali, General Manager of TRENDS Observatory, said: “Returning to school represents an important social and psychological milestone in students’ lives. It should not be viewed only as an organizational transition from the holiday period back to the classroom, but rather as a comprehensive experience shaped by the quality of relationships within the family and school and among friends. The more students feel surrounded by support, trust, and understanding, the better able they are to adapt, learn, and participate positively.”
He added that families play an essential role during this phase by listening to their children, understanding their concerns and aspirations, and attending to their psychological and social needs. Schools also play a role in creating a safe, stimulating learning environment that accounts for individual differences among students and fosters positive communication.
Sultan Majed noted that community support also serves as a complementary element in the framework for academic success, explaining that integrating the roles played by families, schools, friends, and community institutions helps build more balanced students who are better able to cope with pressures and achieve success.
The General Manager of TRENDS Observatory for the Study of Social Phenomena concluded his statement by emphasizing that a successful return to school is not measured solely by attendance and discipline, but also by our collective ability to provide an environment in which every student feels seen, heard, and supported, and knows that there is someone to stand by them throughout their journey of learning and growth. 