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Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

Possible causes of stress and anxiety for children and
young people

There are many possible causes of stress and anxiety throughout a child’s life – some
of which can be categorised as external and some as internal.

Internal causes

Internal causes are those associated with the child’s view of themselves, including
body image and identity, and their emotional state.

In today’s world, children and young people are constantly aware of and influenced
by the media, including social media, which tells them how they should look, what
they should wear and how they should behave. Powerful advertising influences the
individual’s choices and view of themselves, which is compared with the ‘ideals’
of celebrities.

Feelings of stress and anxiety can easily result from the pressure to ‘fit in’ and be
accepted in a particular social circle, and the desire to conform with the accepted
style. A negative body image does not mean the child or young person is simply being
vain but is lacking in confidence and self-esteem, leading to feelings of insecurity.

A Activity 5: Katie

Use the link below to watch the video about Katie’s battle with
her body image and weight. Make notes in the space below.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02czbm6

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