Colman Noctor: Students starting secondary school have a special class of needs 

"Child development and parenting manuals emphasise the importance of consistency, reliability, and predictability. Yet change is inevitable, including the transition from primary to secondary school."

Pic: iStock

All transitions are hard. Even in adulthood, we can struggle to adjust to even the slightest change in our environment, making us risk-averse. The ‘better the devil you know’ philosophy is why many people stay in a job they do not enjoy or remain in a joyless relationship.

Change involves vulnerability. However, as adults, most of our changes involve choice and decision-making. The same is not true for children and teenagers. Whether it’s a house move or a new school, the adults in children’s lives often make the big choices. However, just because children have little or no say does not change the magnitude or potential for vulnerability. It may be more challenging as the young person has no control over the process or outcome.