Supporting the Next Generation: The Hidden Struggles Parents Are Facing with Their Children's Mental Health

As a coach working closely with CEOs and entrepreneurs, I often find our conversations extending beyond boardroom challenges and strategic decisions. Recently, a recurring theme has emerged as many of the CEOs I work with are deeply concerned about their children's mental health. These high-performing individuals, who are used to solving complex business problems, are now facing an entirely different and deeply personal challenge. They are struggling to support their kids who are dealing with anxiety and mental health issues following the impact of COVID-19.

Recent studies show that sixty-seven percent of British Generation Z members experience anxiety symptoms related to COVID. This represents the highest rates recorded since the pandemic began. These concerns are no longer just statistics. They are becoming very real for the CEOs I work with. Many have shared stories of their children who once thrived in school but are now battling social anxiety, struggling academically, and feeling disconnected in an increasingly digital world.

The pandemic disrupted their education, separated them from their friends, and created a lingering sense of uncertainty. While their parents have been focused on rebuilding their businesses and adapting to the changing landscape, their children have been facing their own set of struggles. In many cases, they have done so in silence. These challenges are affecting families in ways few of us anticipated, and it is clear that proactive support is needed to help them regain their confidence and sense of purpose.

In this article, I will explore the scale of youth COVID anxiety, the triggers behind it, and the profound impact it is having on their education and future prospects. More importantly, I will share insights and strategies that I have been working on with CEOs to help their families navigate this difficult landscape. Together, we can create an environment where their children can build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and ultimately thrive.

Recent studies reveal that 67% of British Generation Z members experience covid and anxiety symptoms, marking the highest rates since the pandemic began. This alarming trend, documented in 2025 research across UK universities, shows a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels.

According to mental health experts, this surge reflects the unique challenges young Britons face in the post-pandemic era. The combination of disrupted education, social isolation, and ongoing health concerns has created lasting psychological impacts, specifically affecting those aged 8-18+.

This comprehensive analysis examines the scale of youth covid anxiety, its primary triggers, and its effects on educational achievement. The article also explores digital influences on mental wellbeing and provides practical strategies for building resilience in British youth.

Understanding the Scale of Youth Covid Anxiety

The scale of covid anxiety among British youth has reached unprecedented levels, with NHS Digital data revealing that 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 18+ years experienced a probable mental disorder in 2023 ^[1].

Latest statistics on anxiety prevalence in British youth

Initially, research from the University of Bristol demonstrated that anxiety levels nearly doubled during the early stages of the pandemic, with 24% of young people reporting anxiety symptoms compared to a pre-pandemic level of 13% ^[2]. Furthermore, recent data indicates that 23.3% of those aged 17-19 years experienced probable mental disorders ^[3].

Comparison with pre-pandemic levels

The trajectory of anxiety rates shows a marked increase from pre-pandemic figures. Between 2017 and 2021, rates of probable mental disorders in 6 to 16-year-olds rose substantially from 11.6% to 17.4% ^[2]. Notably, the proportion of 11 to 16-year-olds with possible eating problems increased from 6.7% in 2017 to 13% in 2021 ^[2].

Demographics most affected within Gen Z

Research highlights particular vulnerability among specific demographic groups:

Young women and girls report significantly higher levels of psychological distress, with 20.8% experiencing eating disorders in 2023 compared to 5.1% in young men ^[3]
Those from disadvantaged backgrounds face heightened risk, with young people in deprived areas experiencing psychological distress 3.4 times larger than those in least deprived areas ^[2]
Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) demonstrate consistently higher rates of mental health symptoms throughout the pandemic ^[2]

Consequently, the impact varies considerably across different social groups. Young people who experienced food insecurity or personal loss during the pandemic showed particularly elevated levels of distress, with approximately 66% of children with severe long-covid reporting high psychological distress ^[4]. Moreover, those reporting high distress were 85% more likely to indicate decreased motivation to learn compared to peers with average or low psychological distress ^[4].

Key Triggers and Risk Factors

Research indicates that British youth face multiple interconnected risk factors contributing to heightened covid and anxiety levels. Understanding these triggers is essential for developing effective support strategies.

Social media and information overload

The dramatic shift to digital platforms has intensified mental health challenges among young people. Indeed, studies show that 32% of British teenagers feel nervous or anxious most days ^[5], with social media playing a significant role. Young people consuming excessive online content experience greater psychological distress, as evidenced by data showing 40% of students reporting mental health challenges linked to increased screen time ^[6].

In essence, the constant exposure to pandemic-related information has created unprecedented stress. Students spending eight or more hours daily on screens demonstrate markedly higher levels of psychological distress ^[6], while those with limited digital access face different but equally challenging struggles.

Academic disruption and uncertainty

The educational landscape has undergone substantial changes, creating new sources of anxiety. Research reveals that 82% of students report negative impacts on their academic experience ^[7], with several key concerns:

Difficulties adapting to online learning environments
Uncertainty about assessment methods and future prospects
Challenges maintaining motivation in remote settings
Concerns about falling behind academically

Although some students have adapted well, 65% indicate needing additional support ^[7], with only a small fraction receiving adequate assistance.

Loss of social support systems

The breakdown of traditional support networks has proved particularly challenging. Research demonstrates that 87% of young people experienced feelings of isolation or loneliness ^[7] during lockdown periods. Nevertheless, the impact varies significantly across different groups, with those from disadvantaged backgrounds experiencing more severe effects.

Students with special educational needs face unique challenges, as many report sustained elevated levels of behavioural and emotional difficulties ^[6]. Similarly, those with pre-existing mental health conditions show increased vulnerability, with data indicating that almost half of those needing mental health support during the pandemic either couldn't access or didn't seek help ^[6].

Impact on Educational Achievement

The educational landscape has undergone unprecedented changes, with substantial evidence pointing to significant learning deficits among British students. Data reveals that students experienced an average learning loss of 3.7 months in mathematics and 1.8 months in reading during the first half of autumn term 2020 ^[8].

Learning loss and academic anxiety

The impact of disrupted education has been uneven across socioeconomic groups. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds faced learning losses of 4.3 months in mathematics and 2 months in reading ^[8]. Subsequently, by the second half of autumn term, these figures improved slightly to 3.3 months in mathematics and 1.6 months in reading ^[8].

Regional disparities have emerged as a crucial factor, with students in different areas experiencing varying levels of educational disruption. The North East and Yorkshire and Humber regions witnessed reading losses of 2.3 and 2.6 months respectively, whereas London and the South West showed smaller declines of 1.3 and 1.5 months ^[8].

University admissions stress

The uncertainty surrounding university admissions has intensified anxiety among students. Presently, 42% of students from disadvantaged backgrounds report that COVID-19 has made them more likely to choose a university closer to home ^[8]. Hence, this shift in preferences reflects both financial and emotional considerations.

The following key changes have been observed in university aspirations:

71% of young people indicate they are likely to apply for university ^[9]
77% of students from least deprived areas plan to attend university, compared to 65% from most deprived areas ^[10]
42% of students agree they will probably live at home while studying due to cost considerations ^[9]

Career uncertainty and future prospects

Career aspirations have shifted substantially, with 44% of students agreeing they have experienced a change in career ambitions ^[11]. In addition, research indicates that 40% of students feel less confident about their future since the pandemic ^[11].

The impact on career readiness is particularly concerning, as 37% of students report feeling only somewhat confident with professional networking, while 16% feel slightly confident and 10% not at all confident ^[11]. Therefore, these challenges are primarily affecting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often lack access to professional networks and work experience opportunities ^[1].

Overall, students from the most deprived areas are twice as likely to be looking for work or unemployed (10%) compared to those from least deprived areas (6%) ^[10]. Furthermore, they are more likely to pursue apprenticeships or similar training (19%) or seek full-time employment (17%) compared to their peers from least deprived areas (15% and 9% respectively) ^[10].

Digital World and Mental Wellbeing

Digital technologies have fundamentally transformed how British youth interact with the world, creating both opportunities and challenges for mental wellbeing. Research reveals that 76% of young people report being bored and 51% feeling lonely when using digital platforms extensively ^[3].

Social media anxiety patterns

The relationship between social media use and mental health is complex. Studies indicate that 42% of young people report their mental health worsening due to prolonged social media exposure ^[3]. Primarily affecting young women, social media usage correlates with higher risk of depression and anxiety disorders ^[3].

Research highlights that passive social media consumption, such as scrolling through feeds, leads to lower levels of mental well-being compared to active engagement ^[3]. Remarkably, 84% of young people experiencing mental health challenges report difficulty accessing support due to concerns about overstretched services ^[3].

Online learning fatigue

Extended screen time has created unprecedented challenges in educational settings. Evidence shows that students exposed to longer than two hours daily of recreational screen time demonstrate worse working memory, processing speed, and attention levels ^[2]. Undoubtedly, this impact is more pronounced among students with special educational needs, as parents report their children experiencing higher rates of mental health symptoms ^[3].

The shift to digital learning has resulted in:

58% of students expressing concerns about uncertainty over qualifications ^[2]
46% worried about education quality being affected ^[2]
18% struggling with the transition to online learning ^[2]

Digital coping mechanisms

Alternatively, digital platforms can serve as valuable tools for managing mental health. Research indicates that some children were able to learn additional skills through screens such as fitness, music lessons, and cooking, which enhanced feelings of wellbeing ^[6]. Essentially, 60% of young people found that digital technologies helped maintain friendships through social media or online gaming ^[6].

Generally, the effectiveness of digital coping strategies varies based on usage patterns. Studies show that structured media activities, such as watching educational content or participating in online communities, occasionally resulted in decreased levels of inattention and anxiety ^[6]. However, this positive impact depends heavily on maintaining balanced screen time and ensuring appropriate content consumption ^[3].

Building Resilience and Support Systems

Addressing the rising mental health challenges among British youth requires comprehensive support systems. Currently, NHS England has implemented 398 Mental Health Support Teams within schools and colleges, serving 35% of pupils and learners in further education ^[12].

School-based mental health initiatives

The NHS has prioritised early intervention through school-based support, with 200 additional mental health teams in training, scheduled to become operational by Spring 2025. Ultimately, this expansion aims to support over five million pupils, covering more than 50% of the country's students ^[12].

Primarily, these teams provide early support to young people with mild to moderate mental health issues. Evidence suggests that schools collecting mental health data have shown improved outcomes, with 27% of students having one-to-one conversations about their wellbeing with staff members ^[13].

Digital mental health resources

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended four digital technologies for children aged 5-18 with mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or low mood ^[14]:

Lumi Nova (BfB labs)
Online Social anxiety Cognitive therapy for Adolescents (OSCA)
Online Support and Intervention for child anxiety (OSI)
Space from anxiety for teens, space from low mood for teens, space from low mood and anxiety for teens (Silvercloud)

These guided self-help digital cognitive behavioural therapy technologies offer a mix of games, videos, and quizzes. Research indicates that 74% of young people accessing mental health support continued receiving some level of assistance through digital platforms ^[13].

Family support strategies

Evidence demonstrates that parental involvement plays a crucial role in building resilience. Studies show that regular conversations about feelings help children become accustomed to discussing their mental health ^[15]. Parents are encouraged to:

Support their children through difficulties by helping them understand and work through emotions
Stay involved in their lives and show interest in their activities
Encourage exploration of interests and participation in team activities
Take their concerns seriously and help develop constructive coping mechanisms

Research reveals that 37% of young people reported unfair treatment by their teachers, highlighting the importance of creating supportive home environments ^[16]. Evidently, schools offering parent-focused programmes have seen positive outcomes, with families reporting improved emotional support for children experiencing additional stress ^[17].

Conclusion

British youth face unprecedented mental health challenges, with covid anxiety affecting 67% of Generation Z members. Research clearly shows the lasting impact of pandemic disruptions on educational achievement, social connections, and psychological wellbeing.

Studies demonstrate significant learning deficits, particularly among disadvantaged students, while digital platforms present both opportunities and risks for mental health. Though social media usage often correlates with increased anxiety, structured digital activities occasionally help young people maintain vital social connections and develop new skills.

NHS England's expansion of Mental Health Support Teams marks a positive step forward, aiming to reach over five million pupils by 2025. School-based initiatives, combined with digital mental health resources and strong family support systems, offer promising pathways for recovery.

The data certainly highlights the need for sustained attention to youth mental health. Success depends on coordinated efforts between schools, families, and healthcare providers to build resilient support networks. Through early intervention and comprehensive support strategies, British youth can develop effective tools to manage anxiety and thrive in their academic and personal lives.