What Kids Are Carrying is a HuffPost UK series focusing on how the nation’s youngest generation is *really* feeling right now – and how parents and caregivers can support them.

Anxiety is one of the most common issues young children and teenagers are bringing to therapy, according to therapists. 

Just like there are myriad reasons why young children are increasingly anxious – from over-exposure to screens, to neurodivergence, to absorbing anxiety of ‘grown-up problems’ like money worries – for teens, there are a number of factors driving their anxiety. But therapists are witnessing some key trends.

“Adolescence is a challenging time, and the move towards increased independence while still only having recently left an era of play and imagination can bring with it increased anxiety,” said therapist and BACP member Amanda MacDonald.

“Teens will be aware of exams coming up, and other factors surrounding their immediate world, together with an awareness of global concerns such as conflicts and the environment.

“All this is going on at a time when they are working out who they are, and forming friendships based on this developing sense of identity.”

A 2025 survey by BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Bitesize, which polled 2,000 kids aged 13-18, found two-thirds (69%) of all participants reported feeling anxious at least some of the time. Pressure around exams and grades was the biggest worry.

Counselling Directory member Debbie Keenan suggests teen anxiety is often driven by a mix of developmental pressure, expectations and uncertainty.

“Recurring themes include academic performance, social comparison, questioning identity/sexuality and fear of failure,” she noted.

Therapists also noticed the Covid-19 pandemic seems to have “significantly amplified” anxiety as teens experienced disrupted routines, isolation, and a prolonged sense of threat. Keenan noted this may have “sensitised their nervous systems and reduced their capacity to cope with stress”.

How parents can support anxious teens

When your child is struggling, you probably want to jump in and solve all their problems for them, but........

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