‘Scary Stories’ about Middle School Should be Taken Seriously

'Scary Stories' about Middle School Should be Taken Seriously

Newswise — For a lot of new middle school students, word of mouth trumps school tours and brochures.

"One source of anxiety that arises during a child's transition to middle school is the 'scary stories' passed down by older siblings, peers and even adults about what to expect at the new school," said Elizabeth Woodruff, clinical instructor of kinesiology at The University of Alabama.

Woodruff said general topics often found in these "scary stories" include bullying by older students, the intimidating size of the new school building and campus, unreasonably high academic expectations, harsh discipline administered by faculty and administrators, violence, sexual harassment and drugs.

She said one; however, stands out above the rest: gym class.

"Communal showers and locker rooms bring to the forefront students' feelings of inadequacy about their bodies. Hazing and team initiations add to students' concerns as they struggle to find their place in the secondary school setting. Students' fears, whether founded in fact or not, may preclude their willing participation in school activities and, particularly, in physical education and sports," said Woodruff.

Woodruff stresses these "stories" should be taken seriously by both parents and school officials when dealing with the transition process.

"This knowledge should be utilized in designing organized transitional programs in which both parents and students participate in order to be informed and prepared for this important event in a student's life."