As academic pressures, social challenges, and demands from home life continue to mount, experts are increasingly sounding the alarm over school-related stress among children and adolescents.
Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around one in seven of these young individuals worldwide is affected by a diagnosable mental health condition, with local estimates suggesting that the actual rates may be even higher in certain regions.
A substantial number of these difficulties stem from issues linked to school pressure, bullying, exam stress, and unstable home environments.
The toll of stress is felt by both younger children and teenagers, although the signs are frequently overlooked or misinterpreted as typical growing pains. Murray Hewlett, the CEO of Affinity Health, highlights the critical need for adults to remain vigilant.
“Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling,” Hewlett says. “Adults need to watch for changes in behaviour, mood, or routine, as these are often the earliest signs that a child is struggling.”
Behavioural shifts are often the initial indicators of stress, with manifestations varying by age. For instance, younger children may exhibit sudden clinginess or develop anxiety when separated from their carers.
He says they might also express a reluctance to attend school, display increased irritability, throw frequent tantrums, or lose interest in previously enjoyed activities. Conversely, teens may withdraw from family and friends, experience a sudden decline in motivation, skip classes, or isolate themselves in their rooms, often spending excessive time online.
Stress can also present as physical symptoms, particularly in children who may find it challenging to articulate their emotions. Signs like frequent stomachaches, headaches, sleep disturbances, nightmares, and persistent fatigue can indicate underlying anxiety.
Hewlett details that they might observe that their child feels unwell on school mornings yet appears healthy over weekends, hinting that the issue may be stress-related rather than illness.
Emotional changes offer another important warning sign. Children feeling overwhelmed by stress can experience emotions they struggle to comprehend or express, manifesting as heightened worry, unexpected crying spells, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, or a sense of being swamped by schoolwork.
Teens often exhibit stress through frustration or irritability, utilising statements such as “I can’t do this” or “School is too hard,” which should never be dismissed, as they often point to deeper struggles.
Academic performance can be seriously impacted as well. Children suffering from stress may find it difficult to concentrate, remember information, or meet assignment deadlines. They might procrastinate, fall behind, or even lose interest in subjects they once found engaging.
Hewlett reveals that a sudden decline in marks should not automatically be attributed to laziness; rather, it is often a reflection of mental overload due to excessive school demands.
It is explained that social pressures further exacerbate these issues. Bullying, peer pressure, and concerns over fitting in can render the school experience overwhelming. Signs that a child is struggling socially may include avoiding discussions about friends, resisting participation in group activities, or displaying reluctance to attend school altogether.
Of particular concern is the rising prevalence of online bullying, especially among teenagers, which can be challenging for parents to detect unless they notice sudden changes in behaviour.
Saturday Star