Anxiety is causing problems for the youth
Anxiety is now the leading mental health problem for children and young people in the UK.
By Olivia Finlayson
Childline reported that anxiety is now the reason for 23% of all calls received as of 2025. Last year, they provided more than 12,000 counselling sessions to children and young people who suffered with anxiety. This is mainly due to them being bullied, suffering abuse/trauma, struggling with body image and concerns for further worldwide issues such as politics, and climate change.
Shaun Friel, Childline Director said: “This World Mental Health Day, we want every young person to know that it's okay not to be okay, and that help is always available. Childline is here 24/7, providing a safe, confidential space where children can talk about their anxieties, no matter how big or small they may seem."
“Thousands of children are reaching out to us because they’re struggling with their mental health, in particular with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn.
"From the pressures of school and bullying to concerns about their appearance and worries about global issues, like climate change and world conflict, children are telling us they’re carrying an enormous emotional burden.”
One girl, aged 15, told Childline: “I feel so anxious and overwhelmed. I want to talk about how I’m feeling but I don’t know how. I even panic about having these feelings(...) I worry about everything, school, not being good enough, what people think about me and a lot of the time I know I’m worrying about nothing. I have to act as though everything is fine around everyone else; I bottle it up when I’m alone.