From waking up and rushing to school to juggling extracurriculars, sports, homework and studying, many high school students finally go to bed at a time that’s far from early only to wake up and do it all over again. This endless cycle leaves little time for rest or relaxation, and this pressure has become a source of constant stress and fatigue, gradually leaving teenagers mentally and physically burnt out.
With packed schedules and rising expectations, today’s high school students often feel trapped in a cycle where success is only measured by academic and extracurricular achievements. Academic pressure doesn’t end after the last period, but it instead follows students with hours of homework and studying, along with a range of extracurricular activities, and sometimes even jobs. Although students hope that this will all pay off and that they will build an impressive resume and secure a bright future, this pressure can quickly become too overwhelming.
According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 61% of teens report feeling pressured to get good grades, while 21% feel pressured to participate in extracurriculars or perform well in sports. These high demands of students contribute to significant mental health issues in this generation, with 70% of teens believing that anxiety and depression are serious issues within their communities.
Parents have noticed these patterns too, and another Pew Research Center study found that 69% of U.S. parents believe being a teenager today is significantly harder than it was during their own youth. This perspective reflects how modern high school life, with an emphasis on good grades, can feel unmanageable.
Not only are academic and extracurricular expectations higher, but the popularity of social media has added a new layer of pressure. Many students feel compelled to maintain an online presence, measuring their self-worth by likes, comments and followers. This contributes to low self-esteem among students, further amplifying mental health issues and stress while striving to constantly be perfect.
The CDC reports that the suicide rates among teenagers aged 15-19 increased 62% from 2007 to 2021, a statistic that is likely linked to the stress of constant academic and social expectations on teens.
In response to these stress levels, many students are using unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as constantly scrolling through social media instead of resting or even developing a caffeine addiction. Although these behaviors may temporarily offer relief, they can increase long-term stress and strain on the body. According to the National Sleep Foundation, less than two out of ten teens get the recommended eight to ten hours of sleep per night.
The rising stress levels among high students reflect a major issue that needs attention sooner rather than later. As expectations continue to rise, it is essential to create an environment that priorities students’ well-being and mental health over constant performance, allowing for a healthier, more energized student life.
