Combating Children Burnout: Experts Say Academic Demands, Social Pressures Are The Real Enemies

“Children can experience burnout, particularly when academic demands, routines, and social pressures become overwhelming. It’s crucial to help them slow down and understand their feelings,” states Hemali Dalal, Managing Director of JBCN Education.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10-20% of children and adolescents worldwide experience mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. These issues often contribute to or result from burnout. JAMA Pediatrics reported in 2018 that 7.7% of adolescents globally have an anxiety disorder, which is frequently a precursor or component of burnout.

School children can experience burnout because their minds are still developing, yet the pressures they face grow

even faster, explains Dr Chandni Tugnait, MD (A.M) Psychotherapist, Life Alchemist, Coach & Healer, Founder & Director, Gateway of Healing. “Burnout in kids is not about weakness. It is a sign that their emotional world is overwhelmed. When constant expectations replace rest, curiosity turns into exhaustion, and confidence gradually diminishes. What they need is not more pushing, but gentler support, balanced routines and adults who notice the signs before the spark dims,” Dr Tugnait added.

According to IC3’s Student Well-Being Pulse Report 2025, nearly one in five students feels stressed about academic performance, one in six is anxious about the future, and almost half sometimes believe they are not good enough.

“Children may not use the word burnout, but they feel its effects: quiet exhaustion, irritability, loss of interest, changes in sleep or energy, or feeling ‘tired all the time.’ These early signs often blend into daily routines, making them easy to miss,” Ganesh Kohli, founder of IC3 explained.

How Can Teachers And Parents Help?

Experts emphasise the importance of a support system. During their formative years, children and adolescents need support from teachers, counselors, and parents. This assistance helps them develop healthy coping strategies such as expressing their feelings, seeking help, managing their schedules, or taking short breaks.

“Mental health needs to be addressed much earlier, before children reach a breaking point. Early childhood is when children should be taught to handle stress, emotions, and challenging situations,” Mukul Tyagi, Director at ICON Nurturing Innocence Preschool said, adding that schools should foster a safe environment where young children feel heard and can express themselves without fear.

“Coping isn’t about removing every challenge; it’s about ensuring a child never feels isolated while navigating difficulties. Patience and clarity from teachers and parents enable children to comprehend their stress and seek assistance. With appropriate emotional support and a culture prioritising well-being, children can quickly regain balance and develop the resilience needed to thrive,” said Hemali Dalal, Managing Director of JBCN Education.

“Students from 6th standard onwards today face a mix of academic expectations, social pressures, and emotional transitions, and without the right support, these challenges can quickly become overwhelming. This is where schools must step forward, not just as centres of learning, but as ecosystems of emotional safety and support,” explains Sharani Narayana, Director, Narayana Educational Institutions. She also mentioned that simple measures like mindfulness breaks, emotional check-ins, guided conversations, and a strong teacher-student relationship can significantly improve how children manage stress.

Stricter Schedules Are Not Helping

Small, consistent acts of attention can make a significant impact and create safe spaces for expression. “What children need today isn’t stricter schedules but deeper engagement from adults who pause, notice, and listen without judgment. Burnout eases not because a child pushes harder but because they feel seen, heard, and supported. When counselling becomes a natural part of school life, children learn that seeking support is healthy, not shameful,” Ganesh Kohli explained.