Half of kids are being kept awake at night by their worries, according to research.
A study of 1,000 children aged between six and 16 found one in five are averaging less than eight hours of sleep a night. Seven in 10 (69 per cent) are worrying about school, while 54 per cent are anxious about how they look. And 56 per cent are uneasy about their future.
As they return to school for the new year, homework (31 per cent), studying certain subjects (31 per cent) and exams (30 per cent) are causing the most anxiety. While others are concerned about making friends (23 per cent) and fitting in (22 per cent).
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The research was commissioned by PGL Beyond to mark the launch of THRIVE!, a programme for schools which develops children's health and wellbeing through residential stays with activities like forest bathing, journaling and yoga. Anthony Jones, chief executive officer at the educational travel group, said: "Children are losing precious hours of sleep due to mounting worries, and the effects are often showing up in the classroom."
"Teachers and parents tell us that these concerns are heightened by spending too much time on electronic devices and pressures from influencers on social media. And we know that time spent outdoors, pushing boundaries and enjoying new experiences can play a crucial role in alleviating those anxieties that keep children awake at night."
The research showed that 24 per cent attend a school which has a 'quiet room' where students can go to relax, but only 18 per cent are offered classes to help deal with pupil concerns. And, on the plus side, 76 per cent consider their teachers 'quite' or 'very' supportive, offering advice and listening to problems.
While most children feel they are understood by their parents either all (26 per cent) or most of the time (44 per cent). But 51 per cent fear if they talk to friends about their worries they may be laughed at, according to the OnePoll.com figures. Some of the things children identified as helping them to relax included listening to music (34 per cent) and spending time with friends (33 per cent).
While 22 per cent play sport when they are feeling uneasy and 18 per cent will read a book. Anthony Jones, from PGL Beyond, added: "Children need to be equipped with the tools to manage their worries and feel better about themselves. This is why we've designed our new programme to provide young people with essential tools and techniques for being able to cope with the pressures of today's society.
"It isn't a replacement for classic activity adventures, but something different which will likely appeal to schools and parents who have positively embraced health and wellbeing."
CHILDREN'S TOP 20 WORRIES ABOUT RETURNING TO SCHOOL
1. Homework
2. Doing subjects they don't enjoy
3. Exams/ tests
4. Making friends
5. Fitting in with other people at school
6. If people like them
7. Not being included in friendship groups
8. Arguments with friends
9. Being lonely
10. My future plans
11. Staying safe at school
12. Their relationships with teachers
13. Having to do school performances
14. Being pressured to do well at school by their parents
15. Staying safe when outside of school alone
16. Using school changing rooms/ toilets
17. If they are good looking
18. Keeping up with friends on social media
19. If they are overweight
20. Their health
