Stress at school Dutch teens' main problem: UNICEF

The main issue affecting Dutch teenagers between the ages of 10 and 18 is stress at school, according to a study UNICEF published on Tuesday. According to the organization, it is often thought that teens are mainly stressed by social media, but this appears not to be the case in the Netherlands, NU.nl reports

The study showed that 25 percent of Dutch teens experience stress at school. Over 33 percent feel pressure to meet their own or others' expectations. 10 percent said they have too little free time. Only 2 percent said they get stressed due to social media.

Girls are often less satisfied with their lives and more stressed about their school work than boys. Children at a higher education level experience more stress to live up to everyone's expectations.

UNICEF commissioned the Trimbos Institute, Utrecht University and the Alexander Foundation to carry out this survey. The researchers spoke to kids in the relevant age group between December 2018 and May 2020. 

The conversations revealed some solutions to help lessen school stress, UNICEF said. More free time, more physical activity, and social support from family members, friends and teachers could help.

The study also showed that teenagers in the Netherlands are generally happy. They often have positive mental health. Less than 10 percent of respondents said they worry about the future. And many teens said that they are flexible and have a strong sense of self.