3rd January 2025
Teenage Wellbeing is a Hot Topic
There have been a number of reports and articles about teenage wellbeing recently published which could, understandably, raise concerns in parents. Does my child show signs of anxiety? How will I know? Is it my fault? What can I do about it? Often parents feel a failure because their child has been experiencing anxiety which causes or contributes towards a reluctance or refusal to attend school. Since the global COVID-19 pandemic, when schooling was disrupted for millions of school children, there has been a massive rise in school refusal, much of it stemming from lowered general mental wellbeing and spiraling issues with anxiety.
In this article I will discuss anxiety in teenagers, why it can occur, what can be done to help, and why it is definitely not your fault! One of the reasons we set up Bristol Tutorial College (BTC) was because we saw first hand how traditional schooling wasn’t working for some students and we fundamentally believe that students will only succeed academically when they are settled, confident and at ease with themselves. And we’re not alone in seeing this. We have close relationships with other education providers in Bristol, and only last week I had a long conversation with the owners of Greenhouse Learning, a Bristol-based tutoring company, who have also seen a huge increase in the number of students coming to them with education difficulties that are the direct impact of mental health issues, anxiety and reluctance to attend school. Before getting to the stage where an alternative educational provision is necessary, there is a lot that, as parents, we can do, to help understand and rebuild our teenagers.
Causes of Anxiety in Teenagers
Anxiety is a common emotional challenge faced by teenagers, and it can significantly affect their ability to engage in education. The causes of teenage anxiety are multifaceted, often involving biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
- Hormonal changes during adolescence can lead to heightened emotional sensitivity, making teens more vulnerable to stress and anxiety. Genetic predispositions may also play a role, with some teenagers inheriting a susceptibility to anxiety disorders.
- Environmental factors contribute substantially to teenage anxiety. Academic pressure is a leading cause, as students face high expectations to perform well in exams and secure their future prospects.
- Social dynamics, including bullying, peer pressure, and the desire for social acceptance, can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and fear.
- Family issues such as divorce, financial instability, or parental conflicts may also lead to increased stress levels. Additionally, traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one or experiences of abuse, can trigger severe anxiety.
Whilst it is useful to look to identify people or events for your child’s anxiety, beyond acknowledgement of the reasons behind the situation, it is only helpful to direct energies towards resolving problems, rather than playing the ‘blame game’.
Modern challenges, such as social media, also intensify anxiety in teenagers. The pressure to maintain an idealised online persona and fear of cyberbullying create a constant state of vigilance and stress. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on teenage anxiety levels. Lockdowns, social isolation, disruptions to schooling, and uncertainty about the future have all contributed to a surge in mental health issues among young people. Many students experienced prolonged periods of remote learning, which often led to disengagement, loss of routine, and academic struggles. The transition back to in-person schooling has posed additional challenges, as students must relearn social dynamics and re-establish connections, often while grappling with lingering fears about health and safety.
These stressors, when left unaddressed, can lead to chronic anxiety that affects all areas of a teenager’s life, including their education.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Teenagers
Anxiety manifests in various ways, ranging from physical to emotional and behavioural symptoms. Recognising these signs is critical for early intervention.
- Physical symptoms may include headaches, stomach aches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue. These physical complaints are often reported by students who struggle with anxiety but may not understand or articulate their emotional distress.
- Emotional symptoms include excessive worry, irritability, restlessness, and fearfulness. Teenagers may have a pervasive sense of dread about school, social interactions, or academic performance. They may catastrophise situations, imagining worst-case scenarios that fuel their anxiety.
- Behavioural symptoms often include avoidance tactics. Teenagers with anxiety may procrastinate, avoid assignments, or become withdrawn in class. School attendance problems often arise as a direct result of this avoidance. Reluctance to attend school can gradually evolve into full-blown school refusal, characterised by persistent absences, emotional outbursts, and an inability to leave home for school.
Effects of Anxiety on School Attendance and Performance
The impact of anxiety on school attendance and performance is profound. Persistent absenteeism leads to gaps in learning, making it harder for students to keep up with their peers. This academic struggle can further exacerbate their anxiety, creating a vicious cycle of avoidance and underachievement.
Socially, anxious teenagers may struggle to build friendships, leading to isolation and loneliness. They might avoid group activities, class discussions, or extracurricular events, which are crucial for developing social skills and self-confidence. This isolation further diminishes their sense of belonging and increases the risk of depression.
Emotionally, the fear of school and associated pressures can lead to feelings of helplessness, shame, and low self-esteem. Anxiety often coexists with other mental health issues, including depression and self-harm, further complicating the situation.
Addressing Teenage Anxiety in a Small School Environment
The small school environment of Bristol Tutorial College has been carefully and deliberately set up to provide a supportive setting to address teenage anxiety and help students thrive. Small class sizes allow our teachers to develop meaningful relationships with every one of their students, fostering trust and understanding. Teachers can identify signs of anxiety early and offer personalised support before the problem escalates. We can also be flexible in our approach – if a student cannot manage to leave the house one day, we will teach them online. If a student can only focus for a few hours a day, we will design a timetable that works for them. Nurturing teenagers goes far beyond words and generalised support; personalised, specific and holistic action is needed.
Strong pastoral care systems are essential in managing anxiety. In a small school, staff can create individualised plans to address each student’s needs. Pastoral staff can work closely with parents, mental health professionals, and the students themselves to develop coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioural interventions, and gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations.
Moreover, a smaller school can reduce the overwhelming social and academic pressures that exacerbate anxiety. With fewer students, the risk of bullying diminishes, and teenagers may feel less pressured to compete for social status or academic recognition. A sense of belonging is easier to cultivate in smaller settings, where students feel seen and valued.
Benefits of a Bespoke Approach to Education
Bespoke education tailored to individual needs can be transformative for teenagers struggling with anxiety. Personalised learning plans allow students to work at their own pace, reducing academic stress. Flexibility in teaching methods can also accommodate different learning styles, enabling students to build confidence and experience success.
The BTC small school environment emphasises emotional intelligence, resilience, and life skills alongside academic achievement. Our approach empowers students to manage stress, develop coping mechanisms, and build emotional resilience. Our teachers are better equipped to integrate mental health awareness into each student’s individual curriculum by having the time, expertise and personality characteristics to really engage and build relationships on a fundamental level. They incorporate discussions about mental health, normalise conversations about anxiety, and teach practical strategies for managing stress. This proactive approach helps reduce stigma and encourages students to seek help when needed.
Thriving Through Holistic Support
When teenagers with anxiety receive the right support, they can transform their academic and personal lives. A nurturing school environment promotes a sense of safety and belonging, which are foundational for emotional well-being. Through early interventions, personalised plans, and continuous monitoring, small schools track progress and make necessary adjustments. By celebrating small successes and reinforcing positive behaviour, teachers can help students build confidence and resilience.
Conclusion
Teenage anxiety is a complex issue that can profoundly impact school attendance, reluctance, and refusal. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and effects is the first step toward addressing the problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated anxiety levels among teenagers, highlighting the urgent need for supportive educational environments. Small schools with a focus on strong pastoral care, wellbeing and bespoke education provide an ideal setting for helping anxious students thrive. By fostering close relationships, reducing stressors, and prioritising mental health, these schools create environments where students feel supported, empowered, and ready to achieve their potential. With the right support, even the most anxious students can develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed academically and personally.
If any of this article resonates with you, then please feel free to contact us for a free, confidential, no-commitment conversation. All of us at BTC have extensive professional, and personal, experience with teenagers’ mental health issues, anxiety and bumps in the schooling journey, and we are driven to improve the lives of teenagers, one child at a time.