Child anxiety: why this is a problem and what can we do about it?
Child anxiety is on the rise...
Anxiety disorders stand out as the most common mental health challenges among children,
affecting up to one in three during their childhood, often co-occurring with conditions like
depression, ADHD, ASD, and eating disorders.The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated
this issue, potentially doubling anxiety rates among children. Even prior to the pandemic,
research consistently showed a rising trend in childhood anxiety.
Addressing child anxiety is crucial due to its significant impact on various aspects of
functioning, including school attendance, academic performance, social relationships,
family dynamics, mood regulation, sleep, and appetite. Research underscores the pivotal
role of education in facilitating economic and social mobility, with anxiety posing a
significant barrier to this progress. Dr. Yaara Shimshoni, our Senior Research Fellow, delves
into the escalating problem of child anxiety and explores potential avenues for intervention.
