Rising schoolwork pressure may contribute to increasing emotional problems among adolescents in Wales
Submitted by Jessica Armitage
Emotional problems such as feeling low, nervous, irritable, or having difficulty sleeping have become more common among adolescents in recent years. At the same time, concerns have grown that young people may be experiencing increasing pressure from schoolwork. This study examined changes in perceived schoolwork pressure and emotional problems among 11- to 16-year-olds in Wales between 2002 and 2021 using survey data from more than 300,000 students.
We found that reports of high schoolwork pressure decreased between 2004 and 2009 but then increased substantially, with around one in four students reporting high pressure by 2021. The highest levels were reported by older students and girls. Emotional problems showed a similar pattern, declining until 2009 before increasing steadily over the following decade. Students who reported greater schoolwork pressure were also more likely to report emotional problems.
Our analyses suggested that increasing schoolwork pressure may help explain part of the rise in adolescent emotional problems observed since 2009. However, because this study used repeated surveys rather than following the same adolescents over time, it cannot determine whether schoolwork pressure directly causes emotional problems. Other factors may also contribute to the relationship.
Overall, these findings suggest that increasing pressure related to schoolwork may be one factor linked to worsening adolescent mental health. Understanding why young people feel more pressured by school and identifying ways to reduce or better manage these pressures could help support their wellbeing.
I’m a young person – what does this mean for me?
Many young people report feeling more pressure from schoolwork than previous generations, and those who feel the most pressure are also more likely to report emotional difficulties such as feeling low, worried, irritable, or struggling to sleep. If you are feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, it is important to know that you are not alone. Feeling stressed about exams, coursework, or your future is common, but you should not feel that you have to manage these pressures by yourself. Talking to a trusted adult, friend, teacher, or school support staff can help.
I’m a parent – what does this mean for me?
For parents, these findings highlight the importance of taking concerns about school-related stress seriously. Regular conversations about school experiences, workload, exams, and future aspirations may help young people feel supported. It may also be helpful to recognise that pressures can come from multiple sources, including school demands, concerns about future opportunities, social expectations, and young people's own high standards. The study found particularly high levels of schoolwork pressure among older adolescents and girls, suggesting that these groups may be especially vulnerable to feeling overwhelmed by academic demands.
I’m a teacher – what does this mean for me?
For teachers, the findings highlight the importance of recognising that academic demands and wellbeing are closely connected. Supporting students' mental health does not necessarily mean lowering educational standards, but it may involve helping students manage workload, reducing unnecessary stress where possible, and creating classroom environments where young people feel able to discuss concerns and seek support. Schools and policymakers also have a role in understanding where these pressures come from and creating environments that support both learning and mental health.