Back-to-school stress spikes in teens, experts urge parents to start conversations

Approaching the start of classes, a large proportion of adolescents are experiencing heightened anxiety, according to the American Institute of Stress, which cites 75% of high school students and 50% of middle schoolers feeling consistently stressed. Ariana Hoet, a pediatric psychologist and executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, notes that the mere change in schedule can trigger feelings of uncertainty, regardless of external conditions.

She describes children as carrying an "emotional backpack" of feelings that may be hard for parents to detect without open dialogue. Hoet stresses the importance of parents initiating conversations to identify and address these emotions, whether a child is excited or nervous about new lockers, classrooms, or social settings. By regularly checking in, families can help youths manage the transition and reduce the overall stress burden.