Surprising Student Stress Statistics 50% of middle school students reported feeling stressed over academics all the time, while 75% of high school students felt the same. Around 500 Japanese students below the age of 20 kill themselves each year. The U.S. ranks first as the country with the most stressed students.
1 in 5 students feel stressed daily, with women significantly more likely to report feeling stressed “constantly”. Students are increasingly balancing full-time study with paid employment (84%): 86% of Australian students work while studying (up from 78% in 2021).
Factors such as homework, social life, perceived parental pressure, university applications, and never-ending workloads all generate stress. Although research shows that a moderate amount of stress can be beneficial and act as a motivator for students to do well, too much stress can impact their overall well-being.
Youth reported the most anxiety in Spain, France and the U.S., and the least anxiety in Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia.
And while high school is full of new experiences, many of which can cause students stress, junior year has a reputation as the most stressful of the four years of high school.
While each year of high school will have its own stressors, many will say junior year is the most challenging. Junior year can be the hardest for several reasons, but with the right prep and expectations, high school students can make the hardest year just a little easier.
In 2020-21, 15% of Australians aged 16-85 years experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress. one in five (20%) Australians aged 16-34 years experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress, more than twice the rate of those aged 65-85 years (9%).
On top of this, ReachOut's survey found that 43% of 15-19 year old surveyed were concerned about coping with stress, and 31% felt mental health was one of the most important factors in Australian society today. These stats combined suggest students are stressed, are concerned about their stress, and care about it.
Mental Health in Adolescence
In Australia, approximately 14% of 4 to 17 year olds experience a mental health problem each year, amounting to 560,000 Australian children and adolescents in any one year, with 278,000 and 112,000 experiencing anxiety and depression disorders, respectively [1].
Work stress tops the list, according to surveys. Forty percent of U.S. workers admit to experiencing office stress, and one-quarter say work is the biggest source of stress in their lives.
Junior year is often full of stressful academic experiences. SAT's, the desire to get good grades and the college application process make junior and senior years arguably the most difficult of high school. Students in each year face unique challenges and can struggle to find the time and energy to get everything done.
Going into high school, many students hear that freshman year is the “easiest” year. Some think that colleges don't consider it as much as they do one's sophomore, junior, and senior years. While this is typically true, it doesn't mean that students should entirely dismiss the importance of their freshman year.
Year 12 exams can be very stressful. Many students feel pressured to do well – to get into certain courses, or to please their family. On top of that, young people may be stressed about the uncertainty of what will happen once school ends.
While junior year is often the hardest year of high school, the transition from middle school to 9th grade can also be tough. To make it easier, don't feel afraid to reach out to your teachers and counselors, and take advantage of the support resources that are available.
I decided to ask students in years 11, 12 and 13 what year of school they found they toughest. Year 9 came out top by a country mile, with year 11 trailing in second place. Those who had chosen year 11 cited obvious reasons: the pressures and workload of the exam year had taken their toll.
The Verdict: Fifth grade~ what a special grade. But do you see many of these factors as deal breakers? Do you have more cons than pros? If so, teaching fifth grade may be the hardest elementary grade for you to teach.
New Zealand is known around the world for its high quality of living and slow pace of life. What is this? New Zealanders are known for their hard work ethic, but they also value a healthy work-life balance.