The adolescent years are naturally filled with many emotions surrounding identity and acceptance in social circles. In the last two years, teens have experienced even greater anxiety due to their online activity. Surprisingly, like social media engagement, online learning platforms also can present a source of anxiety for teens. If the young adult in your life is experiencing a high level of stress, a teen anxiety treatment program will help. A recent study conducted by NBC News and Challenge Success revealed that young adults who participated in traditional in-person educational settings experienced less anxiety than their peers using online learning. The study also found:
- 84 percent of remote students were exhausted. These students experienced headaches and sleeplessness.
- 56.4 percent of teens shared that their stress levels have increased since the pandemic shut down in March 2020
- Almost 50 percent of remote learners revealed that an internet connection is distracting and presents many challenges to completing schoolwork.
Destinations for Teens recognize that teens need help navigating the stress in online learning. Our structured individual and group therapy programs will guide your teen, allowing them to realize that they can positively counterbalance stressors in their lives.
Why Is Online Learning Stressful For Teens?
The pandemic has introduced new levels of stress for everyone. Sometimes, there is an added layer of stress for teens who must participate in online learning. These are some ways that stress in online learning is affecting your teen:
- Feelings of loneliness. When teens are in a traditional classroom setting, they have their friends and feel happy. With online learning, there is an inherent sense of isolation. In addition, depending on a family’s dynamic, some teens might be working in a space all alone for long periods.
- Use of extensive technology. For some teens, the opportunity to use electronic devices and software apps such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom is inviting. Yet, for others, it can make them feel even more flustered. For instance, navigating a laptop to find a software application, logging in, and using specific buttons might become overwhelming for some children.
- Limited Instructional Support. In a traditional classroom setting, teens can ask questions before and after class. However, teachers and other school staff are not always readily available in some online settings. This can be an added stressor for teens with questions concerning their academic progress.
Teens may be experiencing one or all of these. Communication is vital, leading to the necessary support to maintain wellness.
How Can Teens Learn Coping Skills That Will Help Them Approach Online Learning Differently?
The best way to help teens deal with stress is by teaching them coping skills that will positively impact their lives. When teens learn how to face challenges associated with stress and consistently put them into practice, they will feel much more confident. Here are some strategies that young adults can use when participating in online learning environments:
- Take regular breaks
- Remain organized in online platforms
- Use technology for entertainment purposes as well
- Rest often and get enough sleep at night
- Talk to your teen about their learning experiences
- Seek therapy to support their challenges
Support Adolescent Anxiety At Destinations For Teens
Teen anxiety–especially related to online learning–should never be ignored. If we don’t teach our teens how to cope with stressors, they could face more significant challenges such as increased anxiety and depression, making it harder to navigate life. And for some teens met with challenges, reliance on substances such as drugs or alcohol can come in time. Our teen anxiety treatment program includes:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Art-based therapy programs
Contact Destinations for Teens at 877.466.0620 to begin helping your teen learn positive coping skills to counterbalance stress and anxiety.