Anxiety in children is not always easy to spot. Some children cry, cling, or refuse to go to school. Others go quiet, stop eating properly, or start complaining of stomach aches before something they are dreading. The signs vary significantly depending on age, and what looks like difficult behaviour is often a child struggling with something they cannot put into words.
The good news is that anxiety in children is very common, and with the right understanding and support, most children learn to manage it well.
Is Anxiety in Children Normal?
Yes. According to the NHS, children feel worried and anxious at different points in their development, and many of these worries are a normal part of growing up. Separation anxiety in very young children, specific fears in the preschool years, and nervousness about school or exams are all typical.
Anxiety becomes a concern when it is persistent, getting worse, and starting to interfere with a child’s daily life. The key distinction is not whether a child feels anxious, but whether that anxiety is stopping them from doing things they would normally be able to do.
What Are the Signs of Anxiety in Children?
The signs of anxiety look different depending on a child’s age, and parents may notice different things at different stages.
In younger children
In older children and teenagers
Young Minds, the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity, also notes that anxious children often experience physical symptoms such as feeling sick, short of breath, shaky, or needing the toilet more often. These are the body’s stress response at work, and can be frightening for a child who does not understand why they are happening.
What Types of Anxiety Do Children Experience?
Anxiety in children is not a single condition. The NHS recognises that different types tend to be more common at different ages.
| Type | Most Common In | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| Separation Anxiety | Babies and toddlers (6 months to 3 years) | Distress when separated from parents or carers |
| Specific Phobias | Preschool age | Intense fear of animals, insects, the dark, or other specific things |
| School and performance anxiety | Primary school age | Worry about schoolwork, teachers, exams, or fitting in |
| Social Anxiety | Teenagers | Avoiding social situations out of fear of embarrassment or judgement |
| Generalised Anxiety | Any age | Persistent worry about a wide range of everyday things |
It is also possible for a child to experience more than one type of anxiety at the same time, or to have anxiety alongside other conditions such as ADHD or autism.
When Should I Be Concerned?
As the NHS sets out, it is a good idea to seek professional help if your child’s anxiety is severe, persists over time, and is interfering with their everyday life. Specific signs that suggest it is time to act include:
Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels wrong, it is worth talking to someone.
How Is Anxiety in Children Treated?
Anxiety in children responds well to support. The main options, according to the NHS, include:
- 1Talking to your GP: they can assess your child’s needs and refer them to CYPMHS (Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services), the NHS service responsible for children’s mental health support
- 2Talking therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most widely used approach. It helps children understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, and build practical coping strategies
- 3School support: talking to the school about what your child is experiencing can lead to practical adjustments, pastoral support, or referral to in-school counselling
- 4Self-help strategies: Young Minds recommends breathing techniques, grounding exercises, regular exercise, and consistent daily routines as part of helping a child manage anxiety day to day
What Should You Do If You Are Worried About Your Child?
Start by talking to your child in a calm moment. Ask open questions, listen without dismissing their worries, and let them know that feeling anxious is something that can be helped. If you are concerned, a visit to your GP is the right next step.
If you would prefer to explore private support, KPI:Access connects families with qualified specialists for anxiety assessments and support for children. Learn more about anxiety support for children through KPI:Access.
