This September, as children across the UK head back to school, it’s not just about new timetables and sharpened pencils; it’s about showing up as yourself.
For many young people, the return to the classroom brings excitement, but also the pressures of fitting in, comparing themselves to others, and navigating who they really are.
Recent national data and reports from leading youth mental health organisations highlight why this matters:
- 1 in 5 children aged 8–16 in England lives with a probable mental health disorder.
- Among 11–16-year-olds with a mental health condition, over a third (36.9%) report being bullied in person, and 1 in 10 have been bullied online.
- Almost 30% have missed a week of school in the past year because of emotional difficulties.
Dr Claire Stubbs, Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Author, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, explains:
“For many children, the return to school isn’t just about new lessons, it’s about stepping back into complex social worlds. Even the most confident child has parts of themselves that worry about ‘fitting in’ or being judged. When we understand that anxiety is often a protective signal from these parts trying to keep us safe from rejection or hurt, we can meet it with compassion rather than criticism.”
She adds:
“Bullying and unkindness often happen when difference is seen as a threat. A lot of judgment and criticism is actually about the other person’s pain, their own parts that feel small, unseen, or insecure. Helping children understand this can take away some of the shame and fear and remind them that someone else’s reaction doesn’t define their worth.”
Dr Stubbs offers a quick self-connection practice for children who feel judged or criticised:
- Place a hand on your heart.
- Take a slow breath in and repeat silently or aloud: “Their words show their pain, not my worth.”
- Breathe out and picture the kind, brave, or creative part of yourself staying close.
“This simple exercise,” she explains, “helps children regulate their emotions, remember their value, and respond with confidence rather than shame.”
That’s why kids’ streetwear brand HYPE is sharing its Be Bold Be You message, a positive, nationwide call to celebrate the unique personalities, strengths, and quirks that make each child who they are.
To make individuality relatable, HYPE has highlighted eight fun and inspiring “personalities” that reflect the many ways young people express themselves:
- The Coder – strategic and focused, the ultimate problem solver
- The Team Captain – competitive and confident, yet has everyone’s back
- The Artist – imaginative and original, ready to make a statement with their work
- The Comedian – uplifting and quick-witted, who brings a smile to everyone’s face
- The Storyteller – a budding content creator, confident and sees things differently
- The Producer – music’s next up, quiet but always cooking up something cool
- The Eco Hero – future-minded and steady, with a passion for the planet
- The Daydreamer – hopeful and empathetic, with a creative streak
These aren’t characters to copy; they’re mirrors of real strengths found in children everywhere.
As Dr Stubbs notes:
“One practical step for parents and carers is to help children name and celebrate the different ‘parts’ of themselves: the creative part, the brave part, the thoughtful part. When children know these parts are welcome, they are more likely to show up authentically, seek out friendships where they feel safe, and speak up if something isn’t okay.”
Families can explore the personalities together through HYPE’s free interactive quiz:
https://uk.justhype.com/apps/gbq/quiz/3
The quiz is a light, positive way to spark conversations about confidence and individuality. Once completed, children receive a celebratory profile of their personality type, along with encouragement on how to make the most of their unique strengths in school, friendships, and beyond.
To extend the message into everyday school life, the quiz also offers a tailored edit of HYPE’s themed backpacks, practical essentials that help children express their individuality with confidence.Dr Stubbs concludes:
“Confidence doesn’t mean being loud or outgoing; it means knowing you can be yourself, even when the world feels uncertain. That’s the message every child deserves to hear as they walk back through those school gates.”
As the new school year begins, Be Bold Be You is a reminder that while school is about learning, it’s also about belonging and the best way to belong is to be yourself. This message is equally relevant for Youth Mental Health Day on 19 September 2025, which highlights the importance of confidence and community in supporting young people’s wellbeing.