Overwhelmed not overjoyed

Half of UK teenagers say the Christmas build-up piles on pressure, not cheer.

Festive stress: what’s driving it?

The build up to Christmas leaves more than half of UK teenagers (56 per cent) feeling overwhelmed. Many say the festive season can feel ‘too much’, according to a new poll released today by The Children’s Society.

In a national survey of nearly 2,000 teenagers, aged 13 to 16, deadlines, social media and family expectations emerged as the biggest drivers of festive strain. Almost a third pointed to looming schoolwork and exams. 28 per cent cited social media – particularly the stream of perfect gifts, parties and family moments filling their feeds. One in five said the hardest part was having to “look happy” when they didn’t feel it. 

Social media: a double-edged sword

Social media divided opinion overall. Around a quarter of teenagers said it made them feel worse about Christmas. This is roughly the same as those who said it made them feel better. The biggest online triggers were “perfect family” posts and holidays they couldn’t afford. 

Asked what would help, teenagers said they wanted less pressure to perform. They want too feel calmer (17 per cent) and to be more understood by the adults around them (12 per cent).

A call for support and understanding

Mark Russell, CEO at The Children’s Society, said:

“For many teenagers, Christmas isn’t sparkle and joy – it’s noise and pressure. They’re under constant expectation to keep up, all the while worrying about exams, friendships, or money. 

“Right now, too many young people are feeling totally overwhelmed by the noise they face every day.  Having someone to talk to before things become overwhelming can change everything. 

“This Christmas, we’re asking people to ‘help a child quiet the noise‘ so they can have space and support when they need it.” 

The Children’s Society says these findings echo what their practitioners hear every day. Teenagers are under pressure from money and friendship worries, social media expectations and academic concerns.   

As set out in the charity’s recently published, The Good Childhood Report, they are calling for more early support services to be available for teenagers. This would hopefully give children somewhere safe to turn and be listened to as soon as they need it.  

The charity already provides support and wellbeing services for young people across the UK. It says it wants to help teenagers find peace – offering accessible, trained professionals who can help before worries spiral.