Headaches in School-Age Kids: Common Causes Parents Should Know

September 1, 2026

When a child complains about a headache, it can be difficult to know what to make of it. Maybe they had a long day at school, didn’t drink enough water, or stayed up a little too late the night before. Most headaches in children aren’t caused by anything serious, but recurring or unusually severe headaches are worth paying attention to.

Headaches can become especially noticeable once school is back in session. Earlier mornings, busy schedules, homework, sports, screen time, and changes in eating and sleeping habits can all play a role.

Understanding some of the most common causes can help parents figure out what might be contributing to their child’s headaches, and when it’s time to talk with their pediatrician.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Dehydration is one of the simpler reasons a child may develop a headache. During a busy school day, kids may forget to drink, have limited opportunities to refill their water bottle, or simply not realize they’re thirsty.

Warm weather and after-school sports can make dehydration even more likely.

Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day rather than waiting until they feel thirsty. If they’re active or spending time outside in the heat, they’ll usually need even more fluids.

Skipping Meals

Busy mornings can sometimes mean a rushed breakfast… or no breakfast at all. Kids may also eat very little at lunch because they’re distracted, don’t like what’s being served, or would rather spend their lunch period talking with friends.

Going too long without eating can contribute to headaches in some children.

A balanced breakfast and regular meals and snacks can help keep energy levels more consistent throughout the school day. If headaches tend to happen at the same time each afternoon, it’s worth taking a closer look at what and when your child has been eating.

Not Getting Enough Sleep

Going from a relaxed summer schedule to early school mornings can be a difficult adjustment.

Children who aren’t getting enough quality sleep may experience headaches along with irritability, difficulty concentrating, and daytime fatigue. Even relatively small changes in a child’s usual sleep schedule can sometimes make a difference.

Try to keep bedtime and wake-up times consistent, including on weekends when possible. Creating a wind-down routine and putting screens away before bed may also make it easier for kids to get the rest they need.

Too Much Screen Time

Between classroom technology, homework, phones, tablets, television, and video games, children’s eyes are doing a lot of close-up work.

Long periods of screen use can contribute to eye strain, which may lead to headaches, tired or dry eyes, blurred vision, or difficulty focusing.

Encourage regular breaks from screens and other close-up activities. Kids should also have plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors and focus their eyes at different distances.

Vision Problems

Sometimes headaches, particularly those that happen during or after school, can be related to a child’s vision.

A child may not realize that they’re struggling to see the board or read comfortably. They may simply think that everyone sees the way they do.

Squinting, sitting unusually close to screens, losing their place while reading, rubbing their eyes, or frequently complaining about headaches can all be reasons to discuss a vision evaluation with your pediatrician or eye-care provider.

Stress and School Anxiety

Headaches aren’t always caused by something physical.

Children can experience stress just like adults do, even if they don’t always have the words to describe it. Academic pressure, friendship problems, bullying, a new classroom, sports, family changes, or simply adjusting to a new routine can sometimes show up as physical symptoms.

Headaches and stomachaches are two common complaints parents may notice when a child is feeling worried or overwhelmed.

If headaches seem to happen primarily before school, on certain school days, or around particular activities, gently asking about what’s happening in your child’s life may uncover an important pattern.

Migraines Can Happen in Children, Too

Migraines aren’t limited to adults. Children and teenagers can experience them as well.

A migraine may cause moderate to severe head pain and can sometimes be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, or a desire to lie down in a quiet, dark room.

If your child has recurring headaches, especially if migraines run in the family, talk with your pediatrician. Identifying triggers and patterns can be an important part of managing them.

Keep Track of Recurring Headaches

If your child complains about headaches frequently, keeping a simple headache journal can be surprisingly helpful.

Write down when the headache happened, how long it lasted, what your child had eaten and drunk that day, how much sleep they got, what they were doing beforehand, and whether there were any other symptoms.

Over time, you may start to notice a pattern. Bringing this information to your child’s pediatric appointment can also help provide a clearer picture of what’s going on.

When Should You Call the Pediatrician?

An occasional mild headache that improves with rest, hydration, food, or sleep usually isn’t cause for alarm. However, headaches that happen frequently, become more painful, interfere with school or activities, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms should be evaluated.

Contact your pediatrician if you’re concerned about a change in your child’s headaches or if they’re becoming a regular occurrence.

Seek prompt medical attention for a sudden, extremely severe headache or a headache accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, fainting, weakness, difficulty speaking or walking, persistent vomiting, a stiff neck with fever, or a headache following a significant head injury.

Helping Your Child Feel Their Best This School Year

Headaches can sometimes be your child’s body’s way of saying something needs attention. A little more water, a better breakfast, an earlier bedtime, a screen break, or addressing stress at school may make a noticeable difference.

But parents don’t have to figure out recurring headaches on their own. If your child is experiencing frequent headaches or you’re concerned about their symptoms, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. Together, you can look for possible triggers, rule out underlying concerns, and help your child get back to feeling like themselves.

At Holly Springs Pediatrics, we’re here to support your family’s health all year round. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s skin, give us a call. We’re happy to help you find the best ways to keep your little one comfortable and healthy this season.

Holly Springs Pediatrics is committed to providing quality care to your kids at all times on a wide array of subjects. For more information or to get in contact with our office, call (919) 249-4700 to schedule an appointment.