Anxiety is now the most common mental health disorder in children and teens nationwide. Since COVID-19, local counselors report a sharp spike in SWFL students who feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, social media, and nonstop pressure. The good news: there are clear signs to watch for, and real help available here in Collier and Lee Counties.

Why are so many SWFL students feeling anxious about school?

Local therapists say there isn’t one cause. It’s a mix of pandemic disruption, academic expectations, lifestyle changes, and constant digital noise.

“The basic one is Covid, and even after five years, we are still seeing a lot of issues with social anxiety,” said Meagan Weems, lead child therapist at the David Lawrence Centers in Naples.

Many young children spent crucial developmental years without playgrounds, playdates, or in-person kindergarten. Instead, they learned to relate through screens. That gap shows up now as trouble joining groups, making friends, or speaking up in class.

Social media also fills a bigger space in kids’ lives than ever before. During the pandemic it was a lifeline, but it came with a cost.

“We do see the benefits,” Weems said. “Kids love social media, but it opens up a different avenue for bullying. We have been seeing social media becoming more and more of a problem.”

Naples counselor Jennifer O’Toole sees the same pattern.

“There are studies that show that being outside in nature reduces anxiety,” O’Toole said. “When you are constantly on screens and social media, you are getting messages that you are not enough, and there is always someone who is richer and thinner and prettier. That creates a lot of anxiety.”

How has school changed since we were kids?

Another major trigger for anxiety in SWFL students is school itself. The expectations look very different from what many parents remember.

Kindergarteners now have academic days with one short recess and no play kitchens or toy corners. Second graders may be reading complex texts and multiplying numbers. High school students cram in AP classes, dual enrollment, sports, and clubs so they look “good enough” for college.

“There is always academic pressure on kids and now the teenagers are in a very competitive stage that brings a lot of anxiety because they want to be the best,” Weems explained.

She recalled a teen who had eight hours of homework for her AP and honors classes. “There was no wind-down time,” Weems said. “She said, ‘I work until I sleep.’”

Patty DeVost, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Patty’s Place Concierge youth mental health care in Cape Coral, notices the same pressure in boys and teens she sees.

“A lot of kids suffer from anxiety from having too much on their plates,” she said. “I used to play outside until dinner time. You could just be a kid. Those days are gone. These kids are freaking out.”

One student she worked with described what many local children feel every day.

“Just yesterday, I noticed a student taking deep breaths while he was talking — almost like a nervous tic,” DeVost said. “When I asked if he felt nervous, he told me, ‘I feel rushed. I feel rushed in the morning, and I feel rushed to finish my work at school.’ A child shouldn’t feel that way.”

Which kids are carrying invisible stress?

Some children in our community are carrying more than homework and tests.

DeVost sees particularly high anxiety in children of immigrants. Some take on adult responsibilities, like grocery shopping, because their parents are afraid to be seen in public.

“They have talked about contingency plans; about where to go and who will take care of them if their parents are no longer there,” she said. “The families are on lockdown; they are not going out. They are hyper scared. There are a bunch of children in Collier County in that situation.”

Dr. Jason Saba, a licensed psychologist with Kids’ Minds Matter, hears similar stories from children in Lehigh Acres and across Lee County.

“My providers in the Lehigh office have seen that,” Saba said. “We want to get the word out that we don’t have to take any identifying information. We are going to help anyone who walks in the door.”

What does anxiety look like at different ages?

Anxiety has always been part of childhood, but the intensity and number of children affected have changed.

In toddler and preschool years, separation anxiety between 18 months and 3 years is a normal stage. Young kids might fear monsters or bad guys and need extra reassurance at bedtime.

As children grow, worries shift. Elementary and middle schoolers may lie awake worrying about grades, a hurricane, or whether their parents might divorce. Teens may worry about school shooters, social status, or college admissions. Lockdown drills can reinforce those fears, even when schools are trying to keep kids safe.

Signs of school anxiety can include:

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches before school
• Trouble sleeping or early morning waking on school days
• Crying, meltdowns, or refusal to get dressed or out of the car
• Clinginess, panic, or “what if” questions about safety
• Perfectionism, erasing work repeatedly, or fear of making mistakes
• Sudden drop in grades, missing assignments, or school avoidance

The New York Times reports that nearly one-third of adolescents have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point, pointing to screen time, reduced play, and increased academic demands as key drivers. Those national trends show up clearly in Collier and Lee County classrooms.

How do screens, social media, and gaming add to anxiety?

Parents often suspect that phones and games are part of the problem, and local experts agree.

O’Toole notes that when kids scroll constantly, they absorb a steady stream of “not enough” messages about their bodies, clothes, and lives. That can make even confident kids feel on edge.

Weems also sees more fear-based anxiety linked to unsupervised internet use.

“I am seeing a lot of unsupervised internet access,” she said. “For example, Poppy Playtime and Five Nights at Freddy’s – the titles and style are catered toward children, but they are actually horror games. There is fear-based anxiety from that.”

Social media and gaming can also crowd out sleep, exercise, and face-to-face time with friends. Those are the very things that protect kids’ mental health.

When should we consider counseling for school anxiety?

If school anxiety in Collier and Lee Counties is stopping your child from learning, sleeping, or enjoying activities they once loved, it may be time to call in extra support.

Weems uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with many of her young clients at David Lawrence Centers.

“A lot of my clients missed out on crucial developmental times socially because they were not surrounded by their peers,” she explained. “So, we play Jenga or a card game to help with their socialization skills.”

She tailors each plan to the child.

“Everyone is different. There are so many different avenues,” she said. “Some of these kids are exposed to traumatic events.”

Kids’ Minds Matter, an initiative of Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital, helps families find care, even when cost is a barrier. Founded in 2016, the program funds services and sends mental health experts into local schools to provide free counseling. They currently have five offices in Lee County and are opening one in Collier County.

“We look for the gaps in services in the community,” Saba said. “We don’t turn anybody away for lack of money. If they don’t have insurance, we find a way to take care of it, and we have the means to do it.”

There is one big challenge: access.

“We have a waitlist of over 300. We are helping kids as quickly as we can, but access is a big problem,” Saba said, noting that waits can range from a few months to a year.

What can parents in Collier and Lee Counties do right now?

While you wait for an appointment, or even before anxiety spirals, parents can make a powerful difference at home.

Saba stresses prevention and early action.

“Being present with kids is essential,” he said. “When parents are present, they hear what their children are thinking and feeling. Those conversations help give kids the tools they need to cope.”

Practical steps you can take include:

• Slow the schedule. Look at your child’s week and remove at least one activity if they seem constantly rushed or exhausted.
• Build in calm time. Protect a short daily block for free play, reading, or quiet time with no screens.
• Limit social media and scary content. Keep devices out of bedrooms at night and review games or videos with your child.
• Get outside together. Walk, bike, or play at a park. Time in nature can lower anxiety for both kids and adults.
• Partner with school. Reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor if mornings are a battle or grades suddenly change.
• Talk about feelings early and often. Name anxiety when you see it and let your child know it’s okay to ask for help.

For low-pressure family time that can help everyone reset, explore local parks, beaches, and community events. Neapolitan Family’s Collier and Lee County calendar lists kid-friendly activities that can give your child a break from school stress while keeping them connected in healthy ways.

If school feels like too much for your child, you are not failing, and neither are they. School anxiety in Collier and Lee Counties is a community-wide issue with real causes. With your steady presence, support from local providers, and small daily changes, your child can learn to cope, grow, and feel safe at school again.

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More kids in SWFL are riding e-bikes and e-scooters to get to school, sports, and friends’ houses. Parents like them for reducing car trips, and kids love the speed and independence they offer. But we’ve also seen a sharp increase in crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, near-misses, and a lot of risky riding behaviors.

Why E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Matters

E-bikes can weigh twice as much as a traditional bike and reach speeds over 20 mph. They accelerate quickly and require accurate depth perception of moving objects, braking skills, balance, and traffic awareness. That’s a tall order for young riders whose brains and judgment are still developing.

E-bikes and e-scooters are vehicles, not toys. Parents must make sure their kids have the maturity, skills, and understanding of the rules of the road needed to ride responsibly.

Important Safety Tips

Always Wear a Helmet – Helmets are legally required for children under 16 and smart for every rider. They are the only protection we have, and helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 85%. Make sure it fits snugly and is buckled before every ride.

Mastery Before Hitting the Streets – Practice starting, stopping, turning, avoiding debris or potholes, and braking in a safe, open space before riding in traffic.

Follow All Traffic Laws – E-bikes are legally considered vehicles, and riders must abide by the rules of the road. Ride in the same direction of traffic (on sidewalks too), stop at all lights and signs, use hand signals for turns and stops, make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of a motor vehicle, and don’t ride between vehicles or cross mid-block.

Be Seen, Be Safe – Wear bright colors, add reflective gear, and use both front and rear lights, day or night.

Stay Focused – No texting, no scrolling, and no earbuds. A split-second distraction can cause a lifetime of regret.

Sidewalks Risks – Riders on sidewalks may cross many driveway and parking lot entrances, and bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters move much faster than pedestrians. Most drivers don’t look far enough down the sidewalk, especially for riders going against traffic. And because pedestrians have the right-of-way, faster riders must slow significantly and call out a warning before passing safely.

Drivers Must Remember – All bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as you. Focus on the road and put away phones and other distractions. Give them space (at least three feet when passing), slow down, and expect the unexpected.

Naples Pathways Coalition is dedicated to creating a safer community for everyone who walks, runs, or bikes. They offer free safety presentations to schools, churches, and businesses. To schedule, please contact Michelle@NaplesPathways.org.

Electric Bike (E-Bike) Laws in Florida

In Florida, there are currently no minimum age requirements for riding an electric bike. Previously, riders had to be at least 16 years old, but this age restriction has been removed. However, riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when operating an Ebike.

It’s also important to note that while Florida state law doesn’t impose age restrictions, some local municipalities may have specific regulations, so it’s a good idea to check local ordinances before riding​. (Heybike.com)

Classification System:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor assists up to 20 mph; no throttle allowed.
Class 2: Throttle or pedal-assist; motor assists up to 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor assists up to 28 mph.
Peak motor power across all classes must remain below 750 watts.

Rights & Requirements:
E-bikes have the same rights and duties as bicycles under Florida law (e.g., ability to ride in bike lanes, roadways) and are exempt from driver’s license, registration, title, and insurance requirements
Manufacturers must label each e-bike with the class prominently affixed, per state statute Florida Senate.

Helmet Rules:
Riders under 16 must wear helmets; adults (16+) are not legally required but strongly encouraged to wear one.

Electric Scooter (E-Scooter) Laws in Florida

General Rules:
Riders under 16 years old must wear helmets.
Scooters must have a maximum top speed of 20 mph to remain within the “micromobility” category and not be treated as mopeds/motorcycles
No license, registration, or insurance is needed for scooters that meet these criteria
Must be equipped with functional front and rear lights and reliable brakes

Where You Can Ride:
Allowed on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, bike lanes, and in many areas, sidewalks—but this varies by municipality.
On sidewalks where permitted, riders should limit speed to 15 mph and yield to pedestrians
Local cities may have additional rules (e.g., Tampa bans scooter riding on certain downtown sidewalks)

Pending Legislation: Battery Safety (2025)
SB 410 (2025) proposes the “Florida E-Scooter and E-Bike Battery Safety Act”, which would:
Define “personal mobility device.”
Require certified ingress protection (IP) standards for batteries.
Involve the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in ensuring compliance. Florida Senate

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Consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Friday, August 1 and extends through Sunday, August 31.

Florida Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Exemptions

The Back to School Sales Tax Holiday runs from August 1-31, 2025. The following exemptions are:

• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less
• Most school supplies selling for $50 or less
• Clothing, footwear, and accessories selling for $100 or less
• Computers and related accessories selling for $1,500 or less (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use)

Florida Sales Tax Holiday

There is also a new sales tax holiday for hunting, fishing, and camping from September 8 to December 31, 2025.

Hunting and Firearm Items Exempt from Sales Tax

• Ammunition
• Firearms
• Firearm accessories, including:

  • Charging handles

  • Cleaning kits

  • Holsters

  • Pistol grips

  • Sights or optics

  • Stocks

Archery Items Exempt from Sales Tax

• Bows

• Crossbows

• Bow and crossbow accessories, including:

  • Arrows, bolts, or quarrels

  • Quivers

  • Releases

  • Sights or optics

  • Wrist guards

Fishing Items Exempt from Sales Tax

• Bait or fishing tackle:

  • $5 or less per item

  • $10 or less for sets or multiple items sold together

• Rods and reels:

  • $75 or less if sold individually

  • $150 or less if sold as a set

• Tackle boxes or bags – $30 or less

Camping Items Exempt from Sales Tax

• Flashlights and camping lanterns – $30 or less

• Camping stoves – $50 or less

• Collapsible camping chairs – $50 or less

• Portable hammocks – $50 or less

• Sleeping bags – $50 or less

• Tents – $200 or less

Click here for more information about Florida sales tax holidays

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• High fever
• Cold symptoms (runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes)
• A rash that spreads across the body

While most children recover, measles can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. While encephalitis is rare, this condition requires hospitalization and intensive treatment. It can cause seizures, hallucinations, permanent brain damage, blindness, hearing loss, and memory loss.

The Best Protection: Vaccination

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. It is safe and effective and has been used for decades to protect children worldwide. The CDC and WHO recommend:

• First dose at 12–15 months
• Second dose at 4–6 years

Children who receive both doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% protected against measles. Talk to your pediatrician about catching up if your child hasn’t been vaccinated or missed a dose.

Other Ways to Prevent Measles

1. Avoid Exposure
If there is a measles outbreak in your area, limit your child’s exposure to crowded places, especially if they are too young to be vaccinated.

2. Practice Good Hygiene
Teach your child to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing utensils with others.

3. Know the Signs of Measles
Early detection can help prevent the spread of the virus. If your child develops a fever, rash, or cold-like symptoms, call your pediatrician before visiting the office to avoid exposing others. Do not abruptly visit a health care provider without contacting them first. If you suspect or notice any symptoms, contact your health care provider or local county health department to receive instructions on how to safely seek medical attention without exposing others.

Final Thoughts

Measles is preventable, and as a parent, the best step you can take is ensuring your child gets vaccinated on time. You can help protect your child and others from this dangerous disease by staying informed and following these precautions.
Don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about the vaccine or your child’s health. Protecting your child from measles is vital to keeping them safe and healthy!

For more information, go to www.afterhourspediatrics.com.
Please visit your primary care provider or local health department for immunizations.
Florida Department of Health Collier County
Florida Department of Health Lee County

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“There are a number of reasons why a parent would want to choose CCPS Pre-K for their child,” explains Elizabeth McBride, director of Early Learning for CCPS. “Our school district hires only highly qualified teachers with Florida certification and uses an age-appropriate curricula that offers a strong emphasis on early literacy skills. In addition, our staff-to-child ratio is 1 to 10 or lower, which provides for more individualized attention and care.”

When it comes to Pre-K programs, CCPS has several options for parents to consider.

▶ FULL-DAY HEAD START PRE-K PROGRAM (NO COST TO PARENTS)

The Head Start program, offered at multiple sites, is available to children of disadvantaged families and requires pre-approval. Eligible children must turn 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1. Here are just a few examples that would qualify a student for Head Start:

• Children in foster care
• Families experiencing homelessness or house sharing (living “doubled-up” due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons)
• Families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, SNAP)
• Families earning below the Federal Poverty Guideline

▶ FULL-DAY VPK PROGRAM (COMBINED WITH PARENT PAY)

Offered at multiple sites, the full-day VPK program is limited to space availability, and parents are responsible for additional fees. Eligible children must turn 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2024. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

▶ HALF-DAY VPK AT SABAL PALM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (NO COST TO PARENTS)

The half-day VPK program is limited to space availability and offers three-hour morning and afternoon sessions. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the choices above, services may also be available for children with disabilities. Parents should contact the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resource System (FDLRS) at (239) 337-8199 to request a free developmental screening.

“Space is limited, and seats fill up fast,” adds McBride. “I encourage parents to start the enrollment process as soon as possible to ensure they are able to get a spot in their preferred school.”

For more information regarding CCPS Pre-K, including a step-by-step guide to enrollment, please visitcollierschools.com/prek. Our wonderful Pre-K staff is always available to answer questions by calling (239) 377-0590 or emailing prek@collierschools.com.

RELATED CONTENT

Florida VPK: The importance of voluntary prekindergarten for your child

School and Educational Services Guide

CCPS Activities Guide

The post Preparing Collier County Children for success in kindergarten appeared first on SWFL Family.

VPK is a state-funded program that offers quality early learning for children who are four years old and live in Florida. The program is designed to help prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. Studies have shown that children who participate in high-quality prekindergarten programs are more likely to succeed academically in the long-term and less likely to be held back a grade. 

Parents can find VPK programs through public and private schools, as well as some childcare centers and faith-based organizations, and can choose which program is best for their child. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science and social and emotional development. At VPK, children have the opportunity to learn through play and exploration, developing fundamental skills that will help them succeed in school and life. 

But the benefits of this program extend far beyond just the child. By investing in early education, we are also investing in the future of our communities. Children who receive a high-quality early learning experience are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and contribute to the workforce.  

By making early education a priority, we can give our next generation the best possible start in life. As parents and caregivers, we must do our part to support our children’s academic growth. This means reading to them at home, encouraging their love of learning and making sure they attend one of the many high-quality VPK programs offered in Southwest Florida. 

If your child is four years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year, they are eligible for the free program – and it’s not too late to enroll. Registration is currently underway for VPK’s school year program. The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida has a dedicated team ready to help you enroll your child and answer any questions you may have. 

Apply for a VPK voucher today by visiting VPKSWFL.org or call the Early Learning Coalition at 239-935-6100. You can also visit our Fort Myers office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for assistance, located at 2675 Winkler Ave. The office provides free kiosks, and no appointments are needed.  

Melanie Stefanowicz is the incoming CEO for Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, which provides access to high-quality early education services for children in Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties. 

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