As a parent, you want what’s best for your teen, and you’re always trying to provide them with the structure, support, and care they need. Watching your teen go through anxiety can be excruciating, especially if you don’t understand what causes anxiety in teens or how to help.
The causes of teen anxiety are complicated. Excessive internet use is often presented as the biggest reason for modern teen anxiety, but the reality is not that simple. A number of other factors influence teenage anxiety, including biological aspects, family life, academic performance, and more.
If you’re a parent trying your best to support an anxious teenager, you’re not alone. According to a 2024 analysis of federal data, 1 in 5 American adolescents experiences an anxiety disorder.
At Ocean’s Behavioral Health, we want you to know that anxiety doesn’t have to rule your teen’s life. Our adolescent treatment program is designed for teenagers and personalized to meet your child’s unique needs, they won’t have to live in fear.
Understanding Anxiety in Teens: Why Are Teens Anxious?
Adolescence is a period of life when young people are learning to deal with all that life throws at them. If you’re the parent of a teen, you know that they’re not quite adults yet– even if they think they should be– but they’re not really children either. This complex and often awkward transition toward independence brings up intense feelings for both you and your teenager.
Some level of anxiety is a normal part of the teenage experience. They’re still learning to navigate the world around them, manage their emotions, and develop social relationships. As they learn to manage responsibilities, there’s sure to be a certain amount of fear as they find the path that works for them.
However, many teens experience levels of anxiety that go beyond growing pains. Severe anxiety that gets in the way of daily functioning must be addressed. Your child deserves to feel safe and confident, and the right support system will be empowering.
Every teen has unique experiences and reasons for their anxiety. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for what causes anxiety in teens. Understanding your teen’s specific relationship with anxiety will require open and honest conversation.
The Rising Trend of Teen Anxiety in Modern Life
There’s no question about it: teens are getting more anxious. Access to social media certainly plays a part. But it’s not accurate to pin all the blame for teen anxiety on internet use. A 2023 systematic review of 61 academic articles found significant increases in anxiety and depression among children and adolescents worldwide compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to this review, which examined the responses of more than 54,000 minors, the identifiable causes for this boom in childhood anxiety and depression are multifaceted. The study specifically examined the pandemic lockdown and its potential long-term effects. They did identify social media as a potential cause for anxiety, as well as pre-existing mental health conditions, which worsened during lockdown.
- Biological aspects (i.e., a combination of some genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and environmental factors)
- Digital technology and social media
- Nuclear family dynamics
- Academics
- Extracurriculars
- Political and environmental uncertainty
While the study indicates that technology and social media are just one factor, the researchers believe that internet use has an impact on other categories. The study posits that Gen Z is uniquely vulnerable because of the ever-present access to information provided by the internet. The constant barrage of information and the ability to compare their insecurities to others’ successes may heighten other aspects of anxiety, like academics, extracurriculars, and political uncertainty.
The Relationship Between Anxiety in Teens and Internet Use
The internet is so ingrained in modern life that it’s impossible to entirely untangle the two. As a parent, you’re probably already familiar with the studies suggesting that social media is linked to poor mental health in teens. Limiting screen time and monitoring your teen’s online presence are parts of modern parenting. At the same time, social media is also an integral part of the teenage social landscape, more so than ever before.
It’s unrealistic to believe that you can eliminate social media from your teen’s life or understand everything about Gen Z’s internet culture. Instead, focus on understanding the larger picture of how internet use impacts teenage anxiety.
It’s important to recognize gender differences in internet use and how that impacts anxiety. A 2023 study that compared gender differences in problematic internet use found a few key findings, including:
- Teenage girls are more likely to have problems with social media use.
- Teenage boys are more likely to experience issues related to video games.
- Problematic video game use was more strongly associated with social anxiety.
- Problematic social media use was associated with generalized anxiety.
- Teens who are already anxious are also more likely to experience problematic internet use than their non-anxious peers.
- Teens who experience stressful events in their real life or already have self-esteem issues are at higher risk of beginning problematic internet use.
This suggests a bigger picture than “the more a teen uses the internet, the more anxious they are.” Many teens who use the internet are looking for a way to soothe their anxiety, even if their solution ends up making their anxiety worse.
Talking to Your Teen About Anxiety and Internet Use
If your teen is experiencing anxiety, the best way to begin the process of helping them is to have an open and honest conversation. You don’t want to corner them or pressure your child into talking when they’re not ready. Begin by letting them know that you’re concerned and give specific examples. Remind your teen that you’re there to support them, and the two of you are a team that will work together to find solutions, even if the problems seem big.
If internet use plays a significant role in your teen’s anxiety, here are some approaches you can try:
- Limit screen time: This doesn’t have to be extreme. You can have simple rules like limiting screens during certain activities or at certain times of day. There are parental control apps that can help you. You might also want to discuss with your teen what kinds of limits they think would be appropriate so they can learn to set limits for themselves.
- Manage notifications: Constant notifications can be distracting, even for adults. Consider limiting notifications from certain apps or during certain times of the day. Even just turning the sound of notifications off can be helpful.
- Be aware of their content: Take time to talk to your teen about what they’re seeing online. Even if you have parental controls or get notifications, it’s still important to encourage open discussion. Let them know they can come to you without judgment. They may be drawn to content that worsens their anxiety in the long run.
- Lead by example: Your teen might not admit to it, but they’re still following your lead, even if they act like they aren’t. The habits you develop are going to inform theirs. Encourage them to put down their screens when you do. Find activities you can do together that get them away from the internet.
Adolescent Anxiety Treatment
The first line of treatment for teens with anxiety is talk therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is proven to be an effective way to treat anxiety in teens. In CBT, your child will work with an experienced therapist to understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Together, your child and their therapist determine the harmful thought patterns that lead to your teen’s anxiety and what healthy coping mechanisms will support them through their fears. Family therapy is another option that will help your household communicate and work through this as a team.
Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also be appropriate in certain cases. Not every teen needs medication, and that decision should be made as part of a conversation that takes place between you, your child, and their doctor.
At Oceans Healthcare, we’re here to support you and your family while your teen learns to cope with anxiety and other big feelings. We have our roots in geriatric care, and we understand that each age group has unique needs, whether our patients are teens or octogenarians. Each of our programs is overseen by a board-certified psychiatrist, ensuring your teen receives the best possible treatment. Call us today at 888-293-6899 to learn more.
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