Half of children aged 6 and older lie awake at night worrying about school and appearance
Research shows that HALF of children lie awake at night because of worries.
A study of 1,000 children between the ages of six and 16 found that one in five gets an average of less than eight hours of sleep per night.
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The young people surveyed said they felt anxious about everything from schoolwork to making friends.
Seven in ten (69%) are worried about school, while 54% are worried about how they look.
And 56% say they feel uncertain about the future.
As they head back to school for the new school year, homework (31%), learning certain subjects (31%) and exams (30%) cause the most anxiety.
Others are concerned about making friends (23%) and fitting in (22%).
The research was commissioned by PGL Beyond to mark the launch of THRIVE!, a school-based programme that promotes children’s health and wellbeing.
This is done through stays with activities such as forest bathing, journaling and yoga.
“Children are losing precious hours of sleep due to mounting worries and the consequences are often visible in the classroom,” said Anthony Jones, CEO of the educational travel company.
“Teachers and parents tell us that these concerns are amplified by children spending too much time on electronic devices and by pressure from social media influencers.
“And we know that time spent outside, pushing boundaries and enjoying new experiences can play a crucial role in easing the anxieties that keep kids up at night.”
The research shows that 24% of students attend a school that has a ‘quiet room’ where students can relax.
However, only 18% are offered lessons to address student concerns.
On a positive note, 76% find their teachers to be ‘quite’ or ‘very’ helpful, give advice and listen to problems.
While most children feel that they are always (26%) or usually (44%) understood by their parents.
But 51% fear they will be laughed at if they talk to friends about their concerns, figures from OnePoll.com show.
Children are very concerned about returning to school
PGL Beyond published an overview of the most common concerns children have when returning to school.
- Homework – 31%
- Taking subjects they don’t like – 31%
- Exams/tests – 30%
- Making friends – 23%
- Fitting in with other people at school – 22%
Other commonly reported fears include:
- If people like them
- Not being included in friendship groups
- Arguments with friends
- To be lonely
- My future plans
- Staying Safe at School
- Their relationships with teachers
- School performances must do
- Being pressured by their parents to do well in school
- Staying Safe When You’re Alone Outside of School
- Use of school changing rooms/toilets
- If they look good
- Keeping up with friends on social media
- If they are overweight
- Their health
Children indicated that they could relax by, among other things, listening to music (34%) and spending time with friends (33%).
While 22% exercise when they feel uncomfortable and 18% read a book.
“Children need to be given the tools to manage their worries and feel better about themselves,” Anthony adds.
“That’s why we designed our new program to provide young people with essential tools and techniques to cope with the pressures of today’s society.
“It’s not a replacement for classic activity adventures, but something different that is likely to appeal to schools and parents who embrace a positive health and wellbeing approach.”
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