Colombian singer Karol G won the coveted Album of the Year award for her LP "Manana sera bonito" at Thursday's Latin Grammy Awards, the first...

After being received with military honours at the Romanian capital Bucharest, Britain's Charles III on Saturday visits Transylvania -- a region the king has said is in his "blood" as...

Part of Roku's growing lineup of home security products, the Indoor Camera 360° SE ($39.99)

School should be the best years of children’s lives – but, as the new term approaches, evidence suggests it’s actually the most worrying time for many kids. The children’s helpline Childline delivered 7,772 counselling sessions about school/education worries last year, with a big increase in calls in the run-up to the start of the new school year. “School is a huge part of a child’s life, so it’s important they feel happy and secure there,” says Childline director Shaun Friel. “We know some children can feel anxious and apprehensive about going back to school, particularly after spending a lot of time away from the classroom due to the summer break. “In fact, our Childline counsellors see a spike in the number of counselling sessions they deliver to children about school worries following the summer holiday season.” Friel says some children feel worried about making friends, getting lost, or the workload at a new school, while others may have concerns about returning to their current school due to friendship issues, fears about upcoming exams, or the recurrence of bullying. “However a child feels about returning to school, we want to remind them that these worries are normal and they aren’t alone,” he stresses. “If any child is feeling apprehensive about going back to school, our trained counsellors are here 24/7 over the phone and online.” As well as counselling, Friel says there are many things both parents and children can do to ease back-to-school anxieties. They include… 1. Writing feelings down Parents can get their child to write down everything they’re looking forward to at school, and everything they’re worried about. “Encourage them to show you the list so you can chat through their concerns, help them cope with their worries and also look at the positives,” suggests Friel. 2. Listening to their concerns If your child has concerns about going back to school, take time to listen to what they’re saying before you jump in to give advice or your opinion, Friel advises: “You could try repeating back what they’ve shared to check you’ve understood their feelings correctly – this will help them to feel really heard.” 3. Discussing practical solutions Once your child has shared any concerns or anxieties about going back to school, you could try talking through some practical solutions, suggest Friel. So, for example, if they’re worried about the amount of homework they’ll have, you could discuss how to break this down each evening and what they could do if they start to feel overwhelmed, like talking to their teacher or you. “You could start by asking them what they think might help them feel better about the situations that worry them,” says Friel. “This can encourage them to learn to think for themselves and feel in more control of the situation.” 4. Reminding them to take their time Remind your child it can take time to adjust to being back at school, and it’s okay if it doesn’t feel comfortable at first, says Friel. “Being back at school will mean a totally different routine, and it’s important to remember that this can take some getting used to,” he stresses. 5. Doing things they enjoy When kids are back at school, making time every day to do something they enjoy can really help to ease anxiety, says Friel. “Whether it’s time in their evening with friends, reading a book or hanging out with their siblings, it’s important to take time out,” he advises. 6. Talking to a trusted adult It’s important children are aware they can and should talk to a safe adult – perhaps a parent, carer, teacher, sibling over the age of 18 or a Childline counsellor – about anything. “No matter what the reason, if a young person is struggling ahead of going back to school, it’s vital they’re encouraged to talk to a safe adult about it,” stresses Friel. “Sharing their feelings with someone they trust will help them feel less alone with their worries, and that adult will be able to support them with this moving forward.” 7. Distracting themselves If children or young people make an effort to keep busy doing something they enjoy, such as playing football or listening to music, this could distract them from their worries, at least for a little while, says Friel. Staying connected with friends and family, whether that be online or in person, or doing some physical activity like going for a walk or taking part in a sport, can also be a good distraction technique. Young people can contact Childline, which is run by the NSPCC and supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery, on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on Childline.org.uk Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live What is the best type of facial for your age range? King Charles reshuffles military roles with new duties for William and Kate Government urged to remove VAT from period pants

James Dyson’s technology firm shifted another 10-figure dividend to his family holding company last year as the vacuum

Investors are growing more confident that a year-long slump in profits for Corporate America is about to end.

Peloton has recalled more than two million bikes due to safety concerns caused by the adjustable seat breaking during use. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for about 2.2 million bikes after receiving 35 reports of the bike’s adjustable seat post “breaking and detaching” during rides, including 13 reports of injuries such as fractured wrists, lacerations, and bruises from falling. The recall affects bike model PL01, which was sold from January 2018 to May 2023 for about $1,400 and manufactured in Taiwan. “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and contact Peloton for a free repair,” the CPSC said in a statement, adding that Peloton is offering customers a free seat post that can be self-installed. Peloton said bike models can be identified by the label on the inside front fork of the bike, near the flywheel. This is not the first time Peloton has faced a widespread recall. In May 2021, the exercise company was forced to recall 125,000 of its treadmills following the death of a six-year-old child and dozens of other injuries. The CPSC said Peloton began receiving reports of incidents and injuries with the treadmills as early as December 2018, but failed to promptly report the treadmill hazards. The New York-based company agreed to pay a $19 million fine. The Independent has contacted Peloton for comment. Read More Parents sue Peloton after three-year-old child is left with third-degree burns from treadmill Peloton issues warning to keep kids and pets away from treadmill after child killed Peloton recall faulty pedals from 27,000 bikes following injuries

Remove the risk to your waistline and do some good at the same time by donating your leftover Halloween candy.

Amazon is now requiring authors who sell books through the company’s e-book program to disclose

The remote Azores archipelago used to be known for its whale hunting. These days, however, it's better known for whale watching -- and is officially one of the most sustainable places on the planet to see the animals.

Adam Sandler, staying true to his image, put on a white and blue Hawaiian-style shirt and simple gray pants

Williams boss James Vowles has raised doubt about Logan Sargeant’s spot at the team for next year after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. While Alex Albon enjoyed a prosperous year at Williams with 27 points, rookie driver Sargeant claimed just one point in 22 races – and even that was only following Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s disqualification in Austin. Sargeant failed to qualify higher than Albon in 22 attempts and, suspiciously, he is the only driver on the grid whose spot for 2024 is yet to be confirmed. Vowles, when asked after Sargeant finished 16th in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, insisted there was no update as to whether the American would keep his seat. “Whatever happens, Logan has been part of the Williams academy for many years and will always remain a part of our academy,” Vowles said. “He is a quick driver but if we step away from that – if you look at the last five races on how he has improved and is stepping forward. “You can see signs that what he is doing is what he needs to earn the seat, but we aren’t in a position to confirm that. We’re proud of the steps he has made this season.” Felipe Drugovich and Mick Schumacher are among the names who’ve been linked with Sargeant’s seat. Williams finished an impressive seventh in the constructors’ standings – their best finish since 2017 – in ex-Mercedes strategist Vowles’ first season in charge. Albon signed a multi-year deal at Williams last year, though has been linked with a return to Red Bull. Read More F1 2023 season report card: Red Bull flourish but what about Mercedes and Ferrari? Toto Wolff sees ‘Mount Everest’ ahead as Mercedes seek to end Red Bull’s domination When does the 2024 F1 season start?