Yes. Academic pressures and social media influence today's youth. They face unique challenges that lead to increased stress. Some statistics on teen stress today suggest that 7 in 10 teens see stress as a major problem among their peers.
Stress can affect our mood, concentration and sleep. In extreme cases, stress can lead to social withdrawal, aggression, physical illness or drug use. Knowing the sources and impacts of this stress is crucial. It’s as important as understanding stress relief for teens. This knowledge is key for parents, educators and health care providers to offer the right support.
What age groups have the most stress?
It’s hard to say. Studies do not show concrete evidence on which age group has the most stress. However, it’s clear that people are more stressed than ever before.
One study shows that 35% of American children experience stress-related health problems. Conversely, in the American Psychological Association (APA) 2023 Stress in America™ survey, 18- to 34-year-olds said their average stress level is a 6 out of 10. For people ages 65 and older, the average is a 3.4.
When thinking about children ages 3–17, the causes of stress in students vary by age. Based on their age, students show various responses to excessive stress. However, the APA shares the following responses based on age group.
PREKINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS
People in this age group are more likely to complain of stomachaches or headaches. Stress can also show up as incontinence, the need to be close or cling to their adult, or soothing habits, like hair pulling and twirling or thumb sucking.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
People in this age group who are stressed tend to cry easily, take frequent trips to the bathroom or school nurse, have difficulty staying in their seats, or easily become irritable. Some may become angry, oppositional or defiant, and have disruptive outbursts. Others may laugh excessively.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
People in this age range can express worry and loneliness, show typical signs of anxiety, or isolate themselves from others. As with elementary school students, some may show their stress by being oppositional or defiant. Others express it through humor or laughter at seemingly inappropriate times.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Signs of stress in teens can differ. They may choose to isolate themselves, give up easily when frustrated or react with strong emotions. At this age, they can also adopt new and negative coping mechanisms, like self-harm or substance use.
Are students more stressed than ever before?
Stress levels of students today compared to the past or previous generations are increasingly relevant. Academic expectations have intensified over the past few decades. Students now face high-stakes testing as well as uncertainty for the future.
The college admissions process has become more competitive. Overscheduling with academic, extracurricular and family commitments leaves little time for relaxation and self-care. This can cause burnout.
Change to Chill is an online resource that helps counselors, educators, parents and young adults foster stress relief. Don’t know what is stressing you or your teen? Change to Chill has a stress factor quiz to determine individualized stress factors and ways to reduce it.
Why are teens so stressed?
Teens today face many stressors that significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being. Here are some of the primary causes of teenage stress:
- Academic pressure: One of the most significant stressors for teens is academic pressure. A national study by Pew Research Center found 61% of teens reported feeling immense pressure to get good grades. School environments can be competitive. Students experience heightened expectations to participate in advanced classes and extracurriculars to stand out in college applications.
- Social dynamics and influence: Navigating relationships as a teen can be challenging. Peer pressure, the desire to fit in, and the complexities of friendships and romantic relationships can create significant stress. Social media is another critical factor. Constant comparison, hyperconnectivity and the need for validation can be mentally exhausting.
- Global issues and uncertain futures: Teens are highly aware of, and concerned about, the state of the world. Our world is changing rapidly because of war, climate change, political unrest and social justice movements. Teens today are often worried about their futures.
- Mental health awareness: Increased mental health awareness has led to more teens being able to recognize and report their stress levels. They can articulate their stress, which helps us understand the issue better.
- Developmental changes: Hormonal shifts, identity formation and the quest for independence can cause internal shifts, family tension and heighten other external stressors.
By acknowledging the unique challenges of teen stress and fostering open communication, we can help young people develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience to manage stress more effectively. Whether you’re a teen looking for ways to relax or a mentor seeking resources, you can find all Change to Chill DIY activities in one place.
Why are we more stressed now?
Over the past 30 years, the number of Americans who are stressed has been on a steady incline after a sharp drop in 2003. The most recent Gallup data shows that nearly 49% of Americans report frequently experiencing stress. This is up 16 points over the past two decades and the highest in Gallup’s trend.
The APA's Stress in America: Are Teens Adopting Adults' Stress? survey shows teen stress statistics that unfortunately align. Teens reported that their stress levels during the school year far exceeded what they believed to be healthy (5.8 versus 3.9 on a 10-point scale). This topped the reported average stress levels for adults (5.8 for teens versus 5.1 for adults).
When the stress cycle begins to take hold, it hinders our ability to adopt other healthy habits, like quality sleep, exercising regularly and eating healthfully. In turn, the negative habits influenced by stress further promote emotional dysregulation and increase stress. Being aware of what causes stress is one step in learning how to handle it well. Use our handout as a tool to determine what brings stress on for you.
At Change to Chill, we can help you find ways to positively impact mental health. Stress relief for teens can look like coloring, exercising or meditating. Check out our resources to help you find what works best for you or your teen.