Back to school, back to stress

Moving up a year increases anxiety and stress for children

• As the new school year approaches, anxiety levels are on the rise
• Well over a quarter (28%) of children feel stressed starting a new school and 42% feel apprehensive about moving up a new school year
• One in five (19%) children fear they will worry others if they were to reach out for help, and 14% are unsure how to express their feelings

As the new academic year kicks off, young people across the UK are feeling the pressure. New research from Bupa reveals that a quarter (25%) of 8-18-year-olds experience stress every week, with starting a new school ramping up stress levels for 28%.

Anxiety is spiking, with 42% of kids feeling apprehensive about stepping into a new school year, especially those making the leap to secondary school (11 year olds), where the figure jumps to 53%.

The research shines a light on a generation struggling with stress, loneliness and anxiety. More than one in ten (13%) children feel lonely every month and nearly two in five (39%) are worried every week. Yet, despite these challenges, many young people are reluctant to share their struggles. One in five (19%) fear they will place a burden on others, and 14% simply don’t know how to express what they are feeling.

When it comes to coping mechanisms, young people often turn to familiar outlets for comfort rather than reaching out. Almost a third (32%) find solace in music, while just over a quarter (26%) escape through video games.

Help for Parents

For parents, creating an open dialogue about emotions is crucial, yet many feel unprepared to do so. Nearly two thirds (59%) of parents don’t feel confident in their abilities to address mental health with their children.

During a stressful time such as back to school week, parents need to find the confidence to talk and crucially listen says Dr Naveen Puri, Medical Director for Bupa UK Insurance:

“Stress and anxiety among young people are sadly all too common, with pressures coming from every direction—school, friendships, social media. Back-to-school week often brings added stress and heightened anxiety, especially for those starting at a new school. It’s essential to create a safe space for children to express their feelings. Sometimes, simply listening and being there can make a huge difference.”

To support parents, Bupa has created a parent’s guide offering practical advice and tools on how to approach the topic of mental health with their children. Additionally, if parents want a fun and engaging way to encourage open dialogue – activities such as Chatter Box Cards could be a good start. Bupa has also produced new interactive videos with mental health platform JAAQ (Just Ask a Question) to help parents have these important conversations.