AS adults, we may have forgotten the everyday anxiety we felt as young people, but however things were for us, life for children in 2022 is very different.

Counsellors at the NSPCC’s Childline service regularly speak to children who are under pressure and stress which has resulted in them experiencing anxiety. For the last two years, the world has been forced to adapt to pandemic conditions and face uncertainty that could feel overwhelming for adults, let along young people.

April marks the 20th Stress Awareness Month, held each year to raise awareness of causes and potential cures for stress. This is a good opportunity to offer thoughts on how to spot signs of stress and anxiety in children, and how to help them.

Symptoms of stress can be different for everyone and difficult for others to understand. Some people find them easier to deal with than others. What makes someone feel stressed one day may not bother them the next. It can start as a simple worry and grow into panic, leaving you feeling nervous, tired, frustrated or upset. Some children may try to hide how they’re feeling because they worry they won’t be taken seriously or they believe others won’t understand. If you notice your child is experiencing sudden mood or behaviour changes, sleeping problems, a drop in academic performance or changing social habits and avoiding others, they have something on their mind. It’s important to have a conversation with them.

Ask how they’re feeling, and if anything is wrong. Reassure them that everyone feels stressed from time to time, and encourage them to talk about their feelings, and try to examine the root of the problem. Perhaps there’s an issue with schoolwork or a relationship. They might be worried about a loved one, feeling overwhelmed by the news and world events or thoughts about their future. It’s important to be understanding. It’s not as simple as saying ‘you shouldn’t worry about that’. Explore ways for children to manage stress. Some find it helpful to write or draw about their thoughts while others find exercise or sports helps relax them.

Encouraging young people to talk about how they feel is a great way to help them to feel better. Whether they talk to you, a teacher friend or a Childline counsellors, they don’t have to face things alone.

Visit childline.org.uk for other tools to help. The Art Box is a great way for children to creatively deal with stress, while the message boards let them speak with others their own age. Help is also available at nspcc.org.uk for parents or carers.

* Debra Radford is NSPCC Assistant Director for Yorkshire and the North East.