Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, offers essential insights into the signs, causes, and impacts of anxiety and stress in children.
There is a growing need for greater awareness of childhood anxiety and stress. Parents, caregivers, and educators play a vital role in recognising young people’s emotional challenges, and early intervention can significantly improve a child’s mental and emotional well-being.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in seven 10–19-year-olds globally experience a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group. Yet many go without the care and support they need. Anxiety disorders are among the most common yet frequently misunderstood or overlooked conditions affecting this age cohort.
Understanding the Difference Between Anxiety and Stress
Stress and anxiety can both affect children, but they’re not the same. Stress is usually short-term in response to friendship problems or school exams. Anxiety tends to last longer and may not have a clear cause. It can make a child feel worried or scared all the time. If anxiety isn’t treated, it can start to affect how a child grows, learns, and copes with everyday life.
Common Types of Anxiety in Children
Anxiety in children can appear in various forms, often showing up as physical symptoms, behavioural changes, or emotional distress.
- Separation anxiety – Fear of being apart from parents or caregivers.
- Social anxiety – Worry about being judged or embarrassed.
- Generalised anxiety – Excessive worry about a wide range of everyday concerns.
- Performance anxiety – Fear of not doing well at school or in sports.
What to Look For
Children show anxiety in different ways depending on their age.
Here’s what to look out for by age group:
- Preschoolers might start wetting the bed, becoming afraid to be alone, or having more tantrums.
- Primary school kids may try to avoid school, seem more irritable, or lose their appetite.
- Teenagers could show signs of sadness or depression, pull away from friends, and take more risks.
Triggers of Stress and Anxiety
Today’s kids spend a lot of time on social media, which can show them fake ideals and lead to online harassment. This digital stress makes their problems even worse, such as homework, friend issues, and bullying. Challenging situations at home, like parents splitting up or money issues, can also hurt their feelings.
How Parents Can Help
Tips to support children in managing anxiety and stress:
- Talk openly about emotions and listen without judgment.
- Introduce calming activities such as deep breathing or mindfulness.
- Establish routines to create structure and predictability.
- Limit screen time and promote healthy offline activities.
- Reassure and validate your child’s feelings.
Where to Get Help
Families are encouraged to seek support from trusted resources such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and Childline South Africa or to seek professional guidance from local GPs, school counsellors, or child psychologists.
Conclusion
Adults are encouraged to look beyond the surface and truly listen to children. With the right tools, understanding, and early support, we can help young people navigate life’s challenges and grow into emotionally resilient and confident adults. Everyone deserves access to quality care — especially when it comes to mental health, through services such as GP consultations, virtual doctor access, trauma support, and chronic condition management. Affinity Health offers families the support to prioritise physical and emotional well-being.