Children today are under more stress than ever before. From academic pressures to the influence of social media, the constant bombardment of digital distractions, and overwhelming expectations, it’s no surprise that anxiety and depression are at unprecedented levels. A recent study found that 70% of teens in the U.S. between ages 13 and 17 consider anxiety or depression a serious issue among their peers.[1] But here's the question: Are we, as parents and society, contributing to this stress? Have we unintentionally created a toxic environment through overprotectiveness, excessive screen time, and limiting opportunities for independence? How can we shift this narrative to give our children the independence, freedom, and mental clarity they need to thrive?

A Generation Under Pressure

Children today are under a level of stress that many of us couldn't imagine at their age. They are constantly bombarded with information—academic pressures, the need for social validation, the fear of missing out (FOMO) perpetuated by social media, and by constant headlines. Common stressors include school performance, body image, social media, and romantic issues.[2],[3] This constant pressure is taking its toll. Research shows that teenagers report an average stress level of 5.8 out of 10, compared to 3.8 for adults. This disparity highlights how much more stressful modern childhood has become. Chronic stress doesn’t just cause emotional discomfort—it alters brain connections, affecting everything from emotions to attention and motor skills.[4] In fact, 50% of mental health disorders are identifiable by age 14, with stress contributing to conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.[5] Teenagers release more cortisol than adults in response to stress[6] which appears to be having long-term repercussions. These include an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in later life.[7]

So, where do we start in addressing this? Perhaps by asking ourselves what is missing in our children's lives. The answer may lie in the simple, age-old activities that have become increasingly rare—spending time outdoors, socializing in person, and having unstructured, free time to explore the world around them.

The Digital Dilemma: A Barrier to Real-World Engagement?

We have all been seduced by digitalisation in our lives and it has many benefits, but in the meantime, we are also aware of its pitfalls. There is enough evidence that points to the importance of social connection in the real world, being in nature and digital downtime. We know that lack of sleep, artificial light, social media and lack of fresh air all can contribute to mental health. In our quest to make life easier for our children, we’ve inadvertently let technology take center stage. But to make our children’s lives less stressful, we are going to have to offer appealing alternatives to challenge all those shiny digital devices—experiences that are not only fulfilling but also essential for their emotional and social development. The answer may lie in a shift in how we parent, moving from protective control to guided freedom. This shift could be key to addressing the mental health crisis affecting our youth.

The Power of Outdoor Play: A Key to Reducing Stress and Fostering Mental Health

While the pressures of modern life are undeniable, there’s one simple remedy that offers both respite and growth: outdoor play. There are undeniable benefits to spending time outdoors, being active in the fresh air, and engaging with nature. It fosters a better connection with both the environment and the community, enhances mental and physical health, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, supports cognitive development in young children, and even aids in faster recovery from illnesses. Outdoor activities also help to reduce behavioral issues and can increase engagement with environmental causes and academic performance.

But in spite of all this, the digitalization of our lives has significantly reduced the amount of time we spend in the open air. Studies show that in the UK, only 25% of children play outside regularly, compared to 75% of their grandparents’ generation [8], highlighting the decline in outdoor play over recent decades. In England, only 47.8% of children meet the recommended one hour of physical activity each day, and in the U.S., the figure is even lower at just 21%. A study by Decathlon revealed that four in ten British teenagers have never been camping, more than half have never climbed a tree, and nearly 50% have never built an outdoor den.[9] Even though the advantages of being outdoors are well-documented, the statistics show that children are spending less and less time outdoors.[10] Dr. Mark Tremblay, director of Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research at the CHEO Research Institute in Ottawa, explains that it’s "a misconception that kids are safer indoors" and that "almost everything from a health perspective is worse indoors."[11]

While there may be an initial period of withdrawal for children as they adjust to cutting back on screen time, this time away from screens could ultimately play a key role in reducing stress. After all, one of the main reasons children pick up their phones is out of sheer boredom.

The modern world places immense pressure on kids, from academic expectations to the demands of social media and digital technology. These stressors often lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In the US in excess of 21% of teens are said to suffer from anxiety[12] and the latest statistics in England reveal that 500 children are being referred to health services for anxiety every single day.[13]

One of the most effective ways to counteract this growing crisis might be to encourage outdoor activities that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Here’s why:

Physical Health and Sunshine: Spending time outdoors gives children much-needed exposure to sunlight, which is essential for the body’s production of Vitamin D. This vitamin not only supports bone health and boosts the immune system but also plays a significant role in improving mood and reducing feelings of stress. Regular outdoor play provides a natural mood boost and enhances physical fitness through activities like running, biking, and climbing, which are often more enjoyable in an open, outdoor environment.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Engaging in outdoor play reduces the mental fatigue and anxiety that children often experience from academic pressure or constant digital interaction. Time spent in nature lowers cortisol levels and promotes relaxation, making it easier for children to cope with everyday stressors. The act of simply being outdoors has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing a refreshing break from the overwhelming demands of indoor life.
Cognitive and Emotional Development: Outdoor environments are rich with opportunities for children to develop essential life skills like problem-solving, planning, and creative thinking. Children learn to think critically, make decisions, and work with others in real-world settings. These activities promote executive functioning, which is crucial for emotional regulation and academic success.
Encouraging Risk-Taking and Independence: One of the key benefits of outdoor play is that it allows children to take risks in a safe environment. It helps children to assess their physical limits, build confidence, and learn to manage fear. Risk-taking is an essential part of personal growth, and it teaches kids how to face challenges and bounce back from failure—a vital skill in managing stress and adversity.
Socialization and Building Relationships: Outdoor play encourages face-to-face social interaction, helping children develop vital social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. Unlike digital communication, which often lacks nuance and emotional depth, in-person interactions allow children to practice non-verbal cues, read body language, and form deeper connections with their peers. These relationships are crucial for emotional well-being and serve as a protective factor against feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Connection to Nature and Environmental Advocacy: Outdoor play fosters a sense of connection to the natural world. Children who spend time in nature often develop a deep appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it. This connection can lead to lifelong habits of environmental advocacy and sustainability, promoting not only mental health but a sense of responsibility and purpose.

Together, these benefits form a powerful case for outdoor play as a key tool in combatting stress and fostering mental well-being in children. With the growing concerns around screen time and the pressures children face, encouraging more time outdoors could be one of the most effective ways to help children not only reduce stress but also develop resilience, creativity, and a sense of community.

Reviving Community Connections

In recent time there has been a marked decline in the sense of community. In many cases, the tight-knit networks of neighbours who once looked out for each other have fractured. While today's children may not know any different, we do! We remember the days of playing outdoors for hours, visiting neighbours, and the freedom to roam. It's important for us to share our childhood experiences with them—how we had independence, let our imaginations run wild, and formed lasting friendships outside of screens.

Society must find ways to engage children in their local communities, giving them the freedom, independence, and social opportunities that will help them feel valued. Socialization is a fundamental human need. We learn so much from non-verbal cues—facial expressions, body language, and tone. The more time we spend isolated, the more prone we are to anxiety and depression. We need a network to share our joys and fears with.

Children also long to do something meaningful. Why not offer them opportunities to engage in "mini-jobs" at a younger age—helping in old people’s homes, volunteering for charities, or working with local businesses? While the classic newspaper round has largely disappeared in the age of digitalization, there are plenty of ways for children to get involved and learn valuable life lessons. Through these experiences, they may even discover their future vocation or purpose—something many young adults are still searching for today. This could help address the “deficiency in connection” that modern society faces, with the decline of religion, community, and time spent in nature—all of which are vital to our well-being.

Dr. Benjamin Maxwell, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, speaks of the need for a “cultural transformation” to refocus society on the things that truly matter and are sorely missing from our lives.[14] Although the pandemic briefly emphasized the importance of connection, it seems as though those lessons were quickly forgotten. However, it’s crucial not to lose sight of the need for a healthy balance between the digital and real world. As more of us embrace this balance, there is hope that the real world may become the preferred place for our children to spend their time.

Creating Safe Spaces

In our modern world, children often lack unstructured leisure time. They are constantly supervised and their activities are often dictated by schedules and adults. This leaves little room for them to make their own decisions and explore the world independently. There is also a shortage of safe spaces for children to socialize outside of school. Many urban areas lack the infrastructure needed to support this kind of interaction. Communities must work together to create youth spaces and opportunities for children to engage in meaningful activities outside of the home and school. By creating more community spaces, offering volunteer opportunities, and encouraging children to engage in real-world experiences, we can help them build social skills, and a sense of purpose. Encouraging children to take part in community events or local charities can give them a sense of value and connection to something larger than themselves. Why not bring back youth centres, which offer children a safe, nurtured environment but where they can also develop their identities outside the family.

How Can We Help Children Manage Stress?

As parents, there’s a lot we can do to help our children cope with stress. Here are some practical ways we can support them:

Take Care of Ourselves: Children learn by example, so when we manage our own stress, it helps them do the same.
Ask About Their Concerns: Open up conversations with your children about their worries and stressors. This will help them feel heard and supported.
Listen and Validate Their Feelings: Let them know it’s okay to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, and that you’re there for them.
Encourage Creative Outlets: Art, sports, and other creative activities can help children express their stress and anxiety in a positive way.
Talk About Overcoming Challenges: Share your own experiences of facing tough times and overcoming adversity. This can help your children see that challenges are a part of life and can be overcome.
Support Social Interaction: Encourage your children to spend time with friends, engage in group activities, and form meaningful relationships outside of school.
Advocate for Reduced Academic Pressure: Speak with schools about reducing homework or offering more downtime for children to relax and play.
Support Child Helplines: Donate to initiatives that are a source of support for children who need additional advice such as Child Helpline International and make children aware of their existence. This website offers links to child support helplines all over the globe: https://childhelplineinternational.org/helplines/

**A Cultural Shift: Embracing Independence**
As children grow, we need to give them increasing freedom to explore the world independently, this is reiterated by Abigail Shrier in her book, *Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up*. She stressed that we need to give our children privacy and allow them to make their own decisions—within reason. By trusting them with increasing responsibility, we empower them to navigate their world with less anxiety and with greater self-assurance and connection.
**Overprotective parenting could unintentionally stifle their growth**, leaving them anxious and unable to navigate the world on their own. By granting our children more freedom—while setting clear expectations—we can help them develop the skills they need to manage their stress and thrive.

The Main Takeaway

Our children need to socialise more in person and also outdoors. By encouraging this we might be able to significantly alleviate the pressure our children face in their daily lives. With the right balance, our children can be supported to grow into resilient, confident individuals who are better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow. Let’s reclaim our children’s childhoods—offering them not just protection, but the space to explore, grow, and become who they are meant to be. It’s never too late to turn the tide and #bringbackthelove.

Will you be part of the change?

Support is the theme for January at The Informed Perspective, and our next Tween Talk event on January 26th will focus on understanding stress and exploring the different forms of support available for those dealing with it.

References:

[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/02/20/most-u-s-teens-see-anxiety-and-depression-as-a-major-problem-among-their-peers/

[2] O'Reilly M, Dogra N, Whiteman N, Hughes J, Eruyar S, Reilly P. Is social media bad for mental health and wellbeing? Exploring the perspectives of adolescents. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2018 Oct;23(4):601-613. doi: 10.1177/1359104518775154. Epub 2018 May 20. PMID: 29781314

[3] Hellström, Lisa & Beckman, Linda. (2021). Life Challenges and Barriers to Help Seeking: Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Voices of Mental Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18. 10.3390/ijerph182413101

[4] https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/stress-in-teenagers

[5] https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/

[6] https://parents.au.reachout.com/life-skills-and-challenges/stress/stress-and-teenagers

[7] https://newsroom.heart.org/news/childhood-stress-linked-to-higher-risk-of-high-blood-pressure-obesity-diabetes-in-adults

[8] https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/news/media-centre/press-releases/children-today-62-percent-less-likely-to-play-outside-than-their

[9] https://studyfinds.org/great-indoors-screen-hungry-kids-video-games-going-outside/

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10206571/

[11] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/dangerous-indoors-researcher-says-about-kids-1.5229036

[12] https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/recent-trends-in-mental-health-and-substance-use-concerns-among-adolescents/

[13] https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/aug/27/nhs-referrals-for-anxiety-in-children-more-than-double-pre-covid-levels-england

[14] https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/10/mental-health-crisis-kids-experiment-00151369

#informyourperspectives #bringbackthelove #balanceyourscreens #parenting #digitalworld #stress #support