6–9 years
Childhood
School becomes a large part of life at this age, and so do friendships, rules and expectations. When a child struggles, it often shows up as a change in behaviour, learning or health rather than in words.
Written for: Children, parents and teachers. All age pathways
What someone might experience
These are common, not certain. Many people go through some of them and are fine.
- Learning difficulties, including specific learning disorders
- Attention and hyperactivity concerns
- Anxiety and worry
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Behavioural problems
- Rejection by peers and bullying
- Sleep problems
- Distress after frightening or harmful experiences
- Neurodevelopmental support needs
- Effects of neglect, abuse or exposure to violence
Signs you might notice
A card to keep or share. These are signs to notice and talk about, not a diagnosis. Childhood, 6–9 years.
- Refusing to go to school
- Frequent stomach aches or headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Persistent struggles with reading, writing or maths
- Withdrawing from others
- Aggression or irritable behaviour
- A sudden drop in schoolwork
- Repeated conflict with other children
If several of these are present, or they are getting worse, speak to a doctor, counsellor or one of the services below. If someone may be in danger, call 112.
What shapes this in India
Not everything is about the person. Their surroundings matter a great deal.
- Unequal access to quality schooling
- Switching to a new language of instruction
- Learning gaps and pressure to perform
- Corporal punishment or humiliating discipline
- Family conflict
- Early exposure to phones and the internet
- Exclusion related to disability
- Limited counselling support in schools
What can help
- School-based screening and learning support
- Inclusive education and reasonable adjustments in class
- Play-based counselling suited to the child's age
- Anti-bullying systems in school
- Parents and teachers working together
- Clear safeguarding and referral pathways
Important to know
Difficulty with schoolwork should not automatically be labelled laziness or misbehaviour. Look at learning, language, hearing and vision, development and emotions together before drawing conclusions.
SAATHI cannot diagnose. Faith, prayer and traditional healers are part of many families' lives, and can sit alongside care. If something is affecting daily life, please also see a doctor or counsellor.
If you're a parent, teacher or family member
- Ask open questions about the school day, and listen without rushing to correct.
- Talk with the class teacher early, and agree on one small change to try at school and at home.
- Replace punishment with calm, consistent routines. Children learn best when they feel safe.
- Help the child name one or two trusted adults they can go to if something feels wrong.
Who to ask near you
You do not have to work this out alone. These are real services in India. Availability varies by district, so a call or a visit is the best way to check.
- A school counsellor or a teacher you trust. Many schools have one person children can talk to.
- A Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) adolescent clinic, also called an Adolescent Friendly Health Clinic, at a health centre or district hospital.
- Your family doctor or the doctor at the PHC, CHC or district hospital.
- Childline 1098, free, for any child who is unsafe or any adult worried about a child. The District Child Protection Unit and Child Welfare Committee act on cases of abuse.
Helplines, free in India
- 112Emergency Response Support System Police, fire and ambulance. Call if someone is in immediate danger.
- 14416Tele-MANAS Free national mental health support, 24 hours, in many Indian languages. Also 1-800-891-4416.
- 181Women Helpline Support and referral for women facing violence, 24 hours.
- 1098Childline For children in need of care and protection, or adults worried about a child.
- 14567Elderline National helpline for senior citizens.