“The Anxious Generation”: Why Are Kids and Teens More Stressed Than Ever?

Why Does Anxiety Feel Like It’s Everywhere?

If it seems like more kids and teens today are struggling with anxiety, it’s because they are. Studies show that anxiety levels in young people have skyrocketed in the past decade, with record numbers of children and teens experiencing stress, worry, and panic.

But why? If kids today have more technology, resources, and opportunities than ever before, what’s causing this surge in anxiety? More importantly—how can we help them?

What’s Driving Anxiety in Today’s Kids & Teens?

While every child is unique, several key factors are contributing to this rise in anxiety:

✅ Constant Digital Connection
Social media, gaming, and endless scrolling mean kids never get a true mental break. Comparison, online bullying, and exposure to distressing news can leave them feeling overwhelmed.

✅ Academic & Extracurricular Pressure
Many kids feel enormous pressure to perform—whether it’s getting perfect grades, excelling in sports, or building an impressive college resume. The fear of failing can be paralyzing.

✅ Less Downtime, More Stimulation
Kids today rarely have time to just be. Their schedules are packed with school, activities, and screen time, leaving little room for creativity, outdoor play, or boredom (which is actually good for brain development!).

✅ Lingering Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Isolation, disrupted schooling, and uncertainty left lasting emotional scars on many young people. Many are still struggling with social anxiety and fear of the unknown.

✅ Parental & Societal Expectations
Kids pick up on adult stress. When they see parents constantly busy, worried about finances, or emotionally exhausted, they internalize those anxieties.

How to Help the Anxious Generation

✅ Encourage Healthy Screen Habits
Set limits on social media and device use, especially before bedtime. Encourage more in-person interactions and outdoor activities.

✅ Teach Kids How to Cope
Help them recognize anxiety when it shows up and give them tools to manage it, like deep breathing, journaling, or talking through their worries.

✅ Model Emotional Resilience
Let them see you managing stress in healthy ways. Share your struggles and how you work through them. This teaches them that anxiety is manageable, not something to fear.