This was the first year that the survey included young people aged 8 to 17. Of those 1,206 who responded, 36% said they worried more this year than last.
Adults on the other hand reported less stress this year than last. Of the 1,568 people 18 and older surveyed, 42% said their stress increased down from last year's 47%. 44% said they stress remained the same. In summary, 75% of adults feel moderate to high stress (24% high levels, 51% moderate).
According to another poll done by kidshealth.org, asking kids what caused them the most stress they answered, grades, school, and homework 36%; family 32%; and friends, teasing, peers, gossip, and teasing 21%.
These are the coping strategies kids said they use the most (they could give more than one response):
- 52% play or do something active
- 44% listen to music
- 42% watch TV or play a video game
- 30% talk to a friend
- 29% try not to think about it
- 28% try to work things out
- 26% eat something
- 23% lose their temper
- 22% talk to a parent
- 11% cry
- 25% take it out on themselves either by banging their head against something, hitting themselves, or doing something else to hurt themselves.
Students can participate in a stress quiz on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
