Alex's Answer
If I’m uncomfortable having an SNA in school but I need one
Your Question
If I’m uncomfortable having an SNA in school but need one what should I do
Answer
Hi there, thank you for getting in touch with Ask Alex!
We’re glad you were able to reach out to us about what’s going on for you. Asking for help is a brave move and the first step in getting the support that you need.
You stated that you have an SNA working with you in school and although you understand that you need one, you are not comfortable with this.
We are sorry to hear that you are feeling this way. As a young person living in Ireland, you have a right to an education. You also have the right to express your opinions and to be taken seriously in matters which affect you. We are wondering if you would consider speaking to a trusted adult about how you are feeling. This could be your class teacher, a parent, school counsellor, or SNA if this is something you feel ok to do. Talking to someone could be a way for you to openly express your thoughts and worries about the challenges that you are facing in school. The trusted adult may be able to speak to the school principal or teacher on your behalf and explore solutions that might make things easier for you and they might also be able to think of ways you can have the SNA but in a way that you makes you feel more comfortable.
Writing down why you do not like having the SNA so that you can use that as a way to problem solve with the person you choose to talk to or just so you can see what your reasons are outside your own head, can also be helpful.
It is important to remember you are not alone in this. Childline is always here to listen when you need to talk about whatever is on your mind. If you don’t feel ready to talk to someone in your day-to-day life, we at Childline would love to listen to you about how you are feeling. You can contact us on 1800 66 66 66 or via our webchat which can be found at www.childline.ie. You can also text us on 50101. All of the services are free and confidential, and we don’t judge what you say, we believe you, and you are safe to chat about anything.
We hope that this answer has helped in some way.
Take care,
Alex