Is your child experiencing burnout? Research reveals how to fix it

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF PARENTS (70%) BELIEVE THAT THEIR CHILD IS EXPERIENCING MORE BURNOUT THAN THEY ARE.

A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 PARENTS OF SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN FOUND HALF NOTICED SIGNS OF STRESS AND BURNOUT IN THEIR CHILD.

PARENTS ARE NOTICING CHANGES IN SLEEP PATTERNS (44%), AND APPETITE (37%).

THEY ALSO COMPLAIN OF HEAD OR STOMACH ACHES (35%), DECREASED INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES THEY ONCE ENJOYED (34%) AND AVOIDANCE OF SOCIAL INTERACTIONS OR ACTIVITIES (33%).

THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY ONEPOLL ON BEHALF OF PRESENCE, ALSO FOUND SEVEN IN 10 WISH THERE WAS A HANDBOOK ON HOW TO TALK TO THEIR CHILD ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH.

BUT SCHOOLS ARE STRUGGLING TO MEET THE INCREASED NEED. SHOCKINGLY, ONLY 14% OF SCHOOLS MEET THE AMERICAN SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION'S RECOMMENDED RATIO OF ONE COUNSELOR TO 250 STUDENTS.

TOP 5 SIGNS OF BURNOUT IN CHILDREN

• Change in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping more than usual - 44%
• Change in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual - 37%
• Physical complaints, such as headaches or stomach aches - 35%
• Decrease in interest in activities that they once enjoyed - 34%
• Avoidance of social interactions or activities - 33%

TOP STRESSORS CHILDREN ARE FACING TODAY

• Screen time and social media use - 28%
• Changes or transitions, such as a move or a new school - 26%
• Social pressure and peer relationships- 26%
• Anxiety and worry about the future - 24%
• Bullying or harassment - 22%
• Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns - 22%
• Financial stress or instability - 21%
• Health concerns or chronic illness - 20%
• Family issues - 18%

TOP 7 RESOURCES THAT PARENTS WOULD CONSIDER TO HELP THEIR CHILD’S MENTAL WELL-BEING

• Support groups or peer counseling programs - 49%
• Exercise or physical activity - 47%
• Mindfulness or meditation practices - 41%
• Therapy or counseling - 39%
• Personalized learning coach - 38%
• Art or music therapy - 33%
• Pet therapy or animal-assisted interventions - 30%

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children was commissioned by Presence between March 9 and March 13, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).