Why are so many children anxious these days?

When I think back to my own childhood, (a few years ago now!) it was all about movement, adventure, and making up games with whatever we could find. 

There was a horse field opposite our house, and my friends and I would sneak in to turn the barrels, which were meant for the jumps, over. We would balance on them, build obstacle courses and race each other around on them. I also spent much of my time on wheels, either on my bike or roller skates - always outside, always active. I amaze my own children by telling them I could walk the whole perimeter of the school field on my hands and hula-hoop up and down the stairs!

Fast forward to now, and getting my own children out of their rooms feels like an impossible task. They are being social - I can hear them chatting and laughing through in their rooms - but it's different. It’s not the same as racing around outside, feeling the elements, or climbing something just because you can. I can't help but think that despite all their socialising, they’re missing out on something. And I know I’m not the only parent who feels this way.

Anxiety in children is on the rise

Anxiety in children has skyrocketed over the last few decades. 50 years ago, childhood was more about exploration and independence. Now, more and more children are struggling with anxiety - and the statistics are worrying. Studies suggest that around one in six children in the UK now have a diagnosable mental health condition, and anxiety is one of the most common. But why?

There are a few key reasons:

Screen time and social media

Kids are constantly online, comparing themselves to others, feeling the pressure to be "liked," and exposed to news and content that can be overwhelming for them. Their social world is digital, but it lacks the natural stress release of real-world movement and play.

Academic pressure

Schools are more intense than ever. SATs, GCSEs, constant assessments - children today face an immense amount of pressure to achieve, often at the expense of downtime and creativity.

Less outdoor play

Compared to past generations, kids now have far fewer opportunities for unstructured, independent play outside. They’re missing the freedom to roam, to climb, to take risks, and to learn resilience through experience.

Fear culture

The world feels like a scarier place. Parents (understandably) worry about safety, and as a result, children have fewer opportunities to test their independence. Growing up I walked to school, played outside for hours, and only came home when it got dark or I was hungry! For many kids now, that’s unheard of.

Less sleep, more stimulation

With screens in bedrooms and a 24/7 world, children are sleeping less than ever. Lack of sleep is proven to massively impact emotional resilience and increase anxiety.

Instant gratification

Everything is available at the touch of a button. Waiting, problem-solving, and persistence (which build resilience) are being replaced by immediate rewards, leaving children less able to cope with challenges.

More structured lives, less free play

Play has become something that’s organised for children rather than something they create themselves. Sports clubs, after-school activities, and scheduled playdates replace the spontaneous, imaginative play that teaches kids how to manage risk and build confidence.

World events and uncertainty

The news is everywhere, and children pick up on global issues - wars, pandemics, climate change - often without the emotional tools to process them.

Parental anxiety

If we, as parents, are stressed and anxious (and let’s be honest, modern life is stressful), our children absorb it. They look to us for emotional regulation, and when we’re frazzled, they feel it too.

Less face-to-face connection

While kids are social online, they’re spending less time learning to navigate real-world social situations, body language, and conflict resolution, which can make in-person interactions more stressful.

How hypnotherapy can help children overcome anxiety

At my clinic, I see so many children struggling with anxiety. They want to feel confident, they want to join in, they want to change, but something holds them back. That’s where cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH) can be so powerful. CBH blends CBT and hypnosis, helping children to understand and change the thoughts and behaviours that keep them stuck.

Through CBH, children can:

• Learn how their mind works so they can take control of their thoughts and worries.
• Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
• Use visualisation to see themselves succeeding in real-world situations.
• Take small, manageable steps out of their comfort zone.
• Build resilience so they can handle life’s ups and downs.

The best part is that these skills last a lifetime! Anxiety is a learned response, so it can be unlearned - it doesn’t have to control them forever. And with the right tools, children can feel empowered to overcome their fears!

What can parents do to help?

If you’re parenting an anxious child, you might feel frustrated, exhausted, or just unsure where to start. Here are a few practical things you can do:

• Encourage ‘real-world’ socialising - If they’re always online, try to encourage meet-ups, even for small things like a quick trip to the shop or a short walk together.
• Model healthy coping strategies - Show them how you manage stress - breathing exercises, journaling, getting outside - so they can see that anxiety isn’t something to fear.
• Help them take small steps - Avoiding fears makes them grow bigger. Support them in facing small challenges, gradually building confidence.
• Limit reassurance - Instead of saying “You’ll be fine,” ask them what they think will help. It gives them a sense of control.
• Encourage free play - Let them breathe - not everything has to be structured. Give them time to explore, be bored, and create their own fun.
• Reduce screen time before bed - Sleep is crucial. Try to have screen-free time before bed to help their brain switch off.
• Seek support - If anxiety is really affecting their life, professional support (like CBH) can make a huge difference.

Why helping now matters

Anxiety doesn’t just go away on its own. If left unchecked, it can grow and impact every area of a child’s life - school, friendships, confidence, even their physical health. But with the right support, children can learn to manage their worries and build the confidence to face the world.

A hypnotherapist trained in this area, like myself, can help children (and their parents) gain the skills they need to step outside their comfort zones, explore the world with confidence, and truly live their childhood - not just watch it from behind a screen.

If your child is struggling with anxiety and you’d like to learn more about how hypnotherapy can help - reach out to a hypnotherapist today.