Leading Causes of Anxiety in Kids

Lauren Brymer
4 days ago
4 min read

Anxiety in kids can be described as excessive worry or fear that interferes with a child’s daily life. While some level of anxiety is normal—especially as children grow older and face new challenges such as schoolwork, friendships, or changes at home—persistent and intense anxiety can become a concern.

In recent years, there has been increasing awareness and discussion around childhood anxiety, which is incredibly important given its rising prevalence. According to the CDC, 1 in 7 children aged 3 to 17 has been diagnosed with a mental or behavioral health condition, and more than 15% of teens aged 12 to 17 experience anxiety disorders. These statistics are concerning for parents, who often struggle to understand how to recognize anxiety and how to support their children through it.

In this article, we’ll explore how anxiety presents in children, common causes, symptoms to watch for, and strategies to help your child manage anxiety effectively.

What Is Anxiety in Kids?

Children experience anxiety differently from adults. These differences stem from developmental stages, limited life experience, and how children express their emotions.

While adults can often articulate their thoughts and identify triggers, children may not understand why they feel scared or restless. They may express their anxiety through physical symptoms, such as stomachaches or headaches, or through behavioral changes—like refusing to go to school or avoiding activities they previously enjoyed.

A key reason for this difference lies in brain development. Adults have fully developed brains, giving them tools to manage stress and emotions more effectively. Children, whose brains are still developing, lack the same capacity for emotional regulation and coping.

Differences Between Adult and Childhood Anxiety:

Adults often present generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, social anxiety, or panic disorder.
Children are more likely to show separation anxiety, school-based anxiety, or specific phobias.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety in children often appears in four key areas: behavioral, emotional, physical, and cognitive. Recognizing symptoms in these categories can help you identify whether your child may be experiencing anxiety.

Behavioral Symptoms

Clinginess or difficulty separating from parents
Tantrums or outbursts
Avoiding certain places or activities
Difficulty concentrating
Frequently asking for reassurance

Emotional Symptoms

Excessive worry or fear
Sadness or mood swings
Irritability
Feeling overwhelmed or panicked

Physical Symptoms

Stomachaches or headaches
Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
Rapid heartbeat or sweating
Nausea or dizziness

Cognitive Symptoms

Negative or fearful thoughts
Trouble focusing
Racing thoughts

It’s important to remember that some anxiety is a natural part of life. It alerts us to potential threats and helps us prepare for challenges. However, when anxiety is persistent, severe, or interferes with daily life, it may be time to seek professional help.

Top 7 Leading Causes of Anxiety in Kids

Various emotional, environmental, and biological factors can influence anxiety in children. Understanding these causes is an essential first step in providing effective support.

1. Academic Pressure

Kids today face increasing pressure to perform in school, from standardized testing to heavy homework loads and high expectations. Even young children may fear disappointing teachers or parents.

Look for: reluctance to attend school, perfectionism, physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches.

2. Social Media and Screen Time

Social media can affect children’s self-esteem and sense of belonging. Exposure to idealized images, online comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), and cyberbullying are all common anxiety triggers.

Parent tip: Encourage healthy screen habits and talk openly about online content.

3. Family Conflict or Stress

Children are sensitive to their environment. Parental conflict, financial strain, divorce, or general household stress can make children feel unsafe or anxious—even if they don’t fully understand the source.

Support tip: Create a calm, predictable home environment with open communication.

4. Peer Relationships and Bullying

Being excluded, teased, or bullied (in person or online) can lead to social anxiety and lowered self-esteem. Friendship challenges often affect how safe and supported children feel at school and beyond.

Watch for: withdrawal, mood changes after social interactions, or avoidance of social settings.

5. Trauma or Loss

Significant events like the death of a loved one, accidents, or even a move to a new home can be traumatic. Children may struggle to process these experiences, leading to lingering anxiety.

What helps: Trauma-informed therapy can support children in processing and healing.

6. Genetics and Brain Chemistry

Children with a family history of anxiety may be more likely to develop it themselves. Differences in brain chemistry—especially with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—can also contribute.

Note: This isn’t anyone’s fault—genetics are just one factor among many.

7. Over-Scheduling and Lack of Downtime

Busy schedules filled with school, sports, and activities can leave little room for rest or creative play. Over-scheduling can lead to burnout and increased anxiety in children.

Tip: Prioritize balance. Make time for free play, rest, and meaningful family time.

How Can I Support My Child Struggling With Anxiety?

Seeing your child struggle with anxiety can be heartbreaking. But your support, understanding, and presence can make a world of difference.

Here’s how you can help:

Create a predictable environment. Routines help children feel secure. Let them know what to expect and talk about upcoming changes.
Model calm behavior. Children learn by watching. Say things like, “I’m feeling anxious, so I’m going to take some deep breaths.”
Listen without judgment. Validate your child’s feelings, even if they seem irrational. Avoid minimizing their experience.
Avoid over-accommodation. Gently encourage your child to face anxiety triggers in small, manageable ways. If they usually enjoy soccer, try not to let anxiety stop them from going.
Watch for severity. Pay attention to how often anxiety shows up and how much it interferes with your child’s daily life.

If you're concerned about your child’s anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek professional support.

Professional Support at 21 Reflections Professional Counseling

At 21 Reflections Professional Counseling, our licensed child therapists specialize in treating anxiety using evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), family therapy, and play therapy. We help children identify their triggers, build coping skills, and feel more confident navigating their world.