Going to school during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over and going to school during this time can be a different experience for everybody. Some people enjoy getting back into their routine and seeing their school friends, but for others, the idea of going to school can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. 

Knowing what to expect and what you can do to keep yourself, your classmates and your teachers safe will help you to feel comfortable in school.

Avoiding the spread of COVID-19 in school

It is really important that all staff and students follow good hygiene practices when in school. This means:

• Wash your hands properly with soap and regularly
• If you cannot wash your hands, use hand sanitiser wherever it is available, and wash your hands fully as soon as you can, particularly after being in public places or on public transport
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
• Put used tissues into a bin immediately after use and wash your hands
• Try to avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth

What happens if someone in my school has COVID-19?

If you are not feeling well or you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, it is very important that you stay home from school. Going to school means risking spreading the virus to others. Find out more about getting tested for COVID-19.

If someone starts to feel unwell while they’re in school, and they are showing symptoms of COVID-19, they will be brought to an area of the school to isolate before they are sent home. Those who have been in close contact with the person may be contacted by the HSE to arrange testing. Any area where the student spent time will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The school will assess the situation to decide what to do next.

Getting support for your mental health during COVID-19

Everyone will be getting used to these new changes, so give yourself time to adjust to a new way of doing things and remember you are not on your own. If you are finding it difficult to adjust, it’s okay to ask for support. Reach out to your school guidance counsellor, a teacher, or someone at home and let them know how you’re feeling. You could also consider contacting our free text support service 50808:

Feeling overwhelmed and want to talk to someone?

• Get anonymous support 24/7 with our text message support service
• Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you, and help you to move forward feeling better
• Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to begin
• Find out more about our text message support service

If you are a customer of the 48 or An Post network or cannot get through using the ‘50808’ short code please text HELLO to 086 1800 280 (standard message rates may apply). Some smaller networks do not support short codes like ‘50808’.

Need more information, advice or guidance?

We offer information, advice and guidance about the issues that matter to you. Our online Youth Information Chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

• Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or leave us a message and we will email you back