54 Student Stress Statistics 2024 Data: Bullying, Mental Health & Gun Violence

With a finite number of hours per day and an endless array of to-dos, young people continue to get exposed to school stress levels that are almost comparable to adult stress. As you will see in this article, student stress statistics in 2020 will show that things haven’t changed much for the better: they are very much experiencing stress, and maybe more than ever.

Below are 54 student stress stats in 2021 that will help inform you of what high school and college students are going through in pursuit of higher education, such as college admission, batteries of exams, extra-curricular activities, and on-the-job training.

We’ll also delve into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student stress, how it changed their mental health, and how they are coping with the complication. This article aims to provide insights in the hope of generating solutions in the future.

High School Student Stress Statistics

High school represents the transition between the carefree, easygoing life of children and the responsibility-laden world of adults. In the movies, high school life gets characterized as laid back, and consists of the “best times of your life.” However, especially among American schoolchildren, high school life has slowly developed into a pressure-filled, anxiety-laden environment.

From academic, peer, and social pressure, to getting admitted to the college of your choice, to exposure to bullying and violence, to the havoc that the COVID-19 has been wreaking on the world, high school life is becoming more and more stressful for many students. To illustrate, here are some high school student stress statistics in 2020:

• Extremely high-stress levels and mental health issues among both high school and college students have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. (Chest, 2020)
• 61% of teens 13-17 years old say they are under a lot of pressure to produce good grades. This percentage is twice as high as those pressured to look good or fit in socially. (Pew Research Center, 2019)
• 59% of teens plan to attend a 4-year college course after high school. (Pew Research Center, 2019)
• While college applications increased by 4% from the previous year, the passing rate for college applicants in 2018 is 65.4%. (College News, 2019)
• 75% of high schoolers and 50% of middle schoolers described themselves as “often or always feeling stressed” by schoolwork. (The Washington Post, 2019)
• 66% reported, “often or always worried about being accepted in their chosen college.” (The Washington Post, 2019)
• 45% of high school students report feeling stressed all the time. (Globe NewsWire)
• On a 10-point scale, American teens have rated their stress rate at an average scored of 5.8, compared to normal values of 3.8. (LSW Online, 2019)

High School Student Bullying Statistics

Bullying is an age-old problem not just for high school but for school kids in general. Sadly, bullying did not stop in the hallways, but rather crossed over to the social media area and spawned cyberbullying. To give you an idea, below are high school stress statistics featuring bullying:

• 15.7% of US high school students experienced cyberbullying between 2018 and 2019. (CDC, 2019)
• Female students were more likely to be bullied online than male students. (CDC, 2019)
• 20.4% of female students say they had been bullied electronically in the last 12 months. (CDC, 2019) 
• High school bullying is done through text messages, Instagram, Facebook, or other social media. (CDC, 2019)
• About 160,000 teenagers skip schools because of bullying. (Chest, 2020)
• 36.5% of students in US middle schools and high schools have suffered from cyberbullying. (Chest, 2020)
• Only 39% of high school students in the US have notified an adult of bullying. (Chest, 2020)
• Bullying affects 1 in 5 American students. (CDC)
• 46% of 41 school shooter suspects were victims of bullying themselves. (U.S. Secret Service, 2019)
• 15% of middle and high school students admitted to cyberbullying others at some point. (Cyberbullying Research Center, 2019)
• 72% of bullied private school students and 55% of bullied public school students believe their bullies can influence what other students thought about them. (BJS)
• 41% of bullied students believe they would be bullied again in the future. (BJS)
• 57% of bullying incidents stop within 10 seconds when bystanders intervene. (StopBullying.gov)

College Student Stress Statistics

These statistics reveal that the pursuit of higher education is not without its perils. College offers the additional (and often simultaneous) challenges of coping with schoolwork, learning to live independently, managing the school supply budget, and assuming added responsibility by getting a job/extra credits. At the same time, the transition from adolescence to adulthood slowly takes shape, and with this comes growing pains. In fact, college drug abuse statistics are also telling of how college students today get exposed to a wider range of substances.

External factors such as relationships, student loans, and in some extremes, perceived threats of violence or school shootings may rattle even more nerves. To give you some insights on how pressure-filled student life can be, refer to the stress in college students statistics in 2020 below:

• 45% of college students say they feel like experiencing “more than average” stress. (WhatToBecome, 2021)
• 20% of the student body report having been stressed six or more times in the past year. (WhatToBecome, 2021)
• 68% of students in four-year US colleges live away from their homes, which is a source of trauma and stress. WhatToBecome, 2021)
• On average, 40% of US college students feel well-rested for only two days a week. (WhatToBecome, 2021)
• 30.5% of college students report that intimate relationships are a major stressor. (WhatToBecome, 2021)
• Around 50% of college students are suffering from stress. (WhatToBecome, 2021)
• 31% of students say that finals and exams are the biggest stressors, followed by worries over entering the workforce (24%), and mountains of coursework (23%). (WhatToBecome, 2021)
• 58% of college students say they were “moderately,” “very” or “extremely” concerned about their mental health. (Inside Higher Ed, 2020)
• 9 out of 10 college students feel tired, dragged out, or sleepy within the past seven days. (Statista, 2020)
• 48.3% of American college students who sought treatment suffered from anxiety, depression, or stress. Stress, in particular, accounted for 5.9% of the reported issues. (Statista, 2020)
• 75% of students have experienced a sense of “overwhelming anxiety” at some time, and 30% reported overwhelming anxiety during the last two weeks. (ACHA, 2019)
• 35.3% of college students reported stress as the reason for negatively affecting their academic work. (ACHA, 2019)
• 51.7% of college students have described academics as being traumatic or difficult to handle. (ACHA, 2019)

College Mental Health Support Statistics

Being far away from home, expensive tuition costs, and a brutal course schedule can often overwhelm the average college student. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with this unwelcome stress. You can get support from your new friends and peers, involve yourself in cause-oriented groups, or avail yourself of services provided by the school’s mental health services department. This is true especially in this time when the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to show signs of leaving anytime soon. However, having available facilities does not automatically mean students are actively getting help. Refer to the college statistics focused on school mental health services for eye-opening insights:

• 58% of college students say they were “moderately,” “very” or “extremely” concerned about their mental health. (Inside Higher Ed, 2020)
• 46% report feeling anxious about returning to a physical campus during the fall semester. (Inside Higher Ed, 2020)
• Extremely high-stress levels and mental health issues among both high school and college students have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. (Chest, 2020)
• Around 70% of students say their campus administration has been supportive or very supportive during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Boston University, 2020)
• 78% of students see their teachers as having been supportive. (Boston University, 2020)
• Based on the symptoms they have experienced, 15% of students believe that they may have had COVID-19. (Boston University, 2020) 
• Only 1% of students reported having tested positively for COVID-19. (Boston University, 2020)
• 60% believe they were susceptible to getting the virus. (Boston University, 2020)
• About 65% of students are very or extremely concerned about the length of the pandemic. (Boston University, 2020)
• 64% are very or extremely concerned about their loved ones contracting the virus. (Boston University, 2020)
• Of college students that availed mental health services, only 20.3% have availed services from college/university counseling or health services. (ACHA, 2019)
• 61% of U.S. college students received information from their college or university about stress reduction. (ACHA, 2019)
• 54.2% of surveyed mental health clinicians believe that anxiety, depression, and stress are the top concerns of their college student patients. (ACHA, 2019)
• 41% of US college students terminated their mental health services due to the end of the term or semester. (ACHA, 2019)
• It takes a college student an average waiting time of seven business days before their first appointment with a college counselor. (AUCCCD)

Gun Violence and School Shooting Stress Statistics

Historically, the US remains a hotbed for gun-related violence, even in schools. As a result, the increasing reports of mass shootings have stressed students across the country. The threat of a school shooting or more violence can push students to consider not attending classes, or packing up and going home. To illustrate this point, below are student stress statistics related to gun violence and school shootings:

• Between 2013 to 2019, there were 549 incidents of gunfire on school grounds. Of the total, 63% occurred on the grounds of an elementary, middle, or high school. (Everytown, 2021)
• Every year, 3 million schoolchildren get exposed to gun violence. (Everytown, 2021)
• Compared to white students, black high school students in the US are two times more likely to miss school due to safety issues. (Everytown, 2021)
• The US reported a total of 45 school shootings in 46 weeks in 2019. As a result, this number produced an average of almost one school shooting per school week. (Everytown, 2021)
• 57.6% of the shootings occurred after a school sporting event. Specifically, basketball or football were the games in these events. (ABC News, 2019)

What role does social media play in student stress?

Social media can significantly contribute to stress among students, influencing various aspects of their lives, including mental health, self-esteem, and academic performance. Here are some ways social media impacts student stress:

• Cyberbullying: Social media has become a common platform for bullying, with many students experiencing cyberbullying through comments, messages, or posts. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and even avoidance of school or social activities.
• Social Comparison: The curated and often idealized content shared on social media can lead students to compare their own lives to others, resulting in feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. This comparison culture is linked to increased levels of stress, especially when students feel they are not living up to perceived standards.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Constantly seeing friends and peers engaging in activities or achieving milestones can lead to FOMO, where students feel anxious about being left out or not having similar experiences. This can contribute to stress and pressure to always stay connected online.
• Academic Distraction: Excessive social media use can interfere with academic responsibilities, leading to procrastination and increased stress as students struggle to meet deadlines or perform well in school.
• Sleep Disruption: Many students use social media late at night, which can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to sleep deprivation. Lack of adequate rest can further exacerbate stress and negatively impact mental and physical health.
• Pressure to Present a Perfect Image: Social media platforms often encourage users to present an ideal version of themselves, leading to stress over maintaining a certain online image. This pressure can result in a fear of judgment or criticism if they don’t meet expectations.
• Exposure to Disturbing Content: Students may come across distressing news, graphic content, or discussions about sensitive topics such as violence or mental health crises, which can contribute to heightened anxiety and stress.

Stress Management is Key

School prepares adolescents for the real world. However, the pressures of competitiveness and expectations of higher education have inadvertently burdened school youths. Also, the exposure to daily threats of violence and bullying can add to even more student stress. Add to these students’ apprehension over the COVID-19 pandemic and we get stress levels that are at an all-time high.

Not all stress is bad. Sometimes, stress can be the ultimate key to survival as it harnesses your well-being and keeps you excited about life. Consequently, avoiding excessive stress may hold the key to an improved outlook in life, physically and mentally. More importantly, identifying and managing the causes of stress remains as the first crucial step toward awareness.

For parents and school administrators, support, and availability of services to help students cope with school remain a powerful tool to help them adjust. In addition, a supportive non-school environment is still the best option to decompress from the demands of school. Combining these may help students manage expectations better and help ease their pressure for their lives ahead.

Key Insights

• High Levels of Stress Among Students: Both high school and college students report extremely high-stress levels, exacerbated by academic pressure, social expectations, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Prevalence of Bullying: Bullying, including cyberbullying, remains a significant issue, affecting students’ mental health and contributing to stress. Female students are particularly vulnerable to online bullying.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has intensified stress and mental health issues among students, with many expressing concerns about their health, the duration of the pandemic, and the well-being of loved ones.
• College Life Stressors: College students face additional stress from adjusting to independent living, managing finances, and balancing academic responsibilities with personal relationships and part-time jobs.
• Mental Health Support: While many colleges offer mental health services, a substantial number of students either do not utilize these resources or face long waiting times for appointments. There is also a significant drop-off in mental health service usage at the end of academic terms.
• Gun Violence: The threat of gun violence and school shootings adds to the stress experienced by students, particularly in high-risk areas. This fear affects attendance and the overall sense of safety in schools.
• Stress Management Importance: Effective stress management strategies are crucial for students. Support from parents, school administrators, and peers can play a vital role in helping students cope with stress and maintain their mental health.

FAQ

1. What are the main sources of stress for high school students? High school students primarily experience stress from academic pressures, social expectations, and the college admissions process. Additionally, bullying and concerns about safety, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute significantly to their stress levels.
2. How does bullying affect high school students’ stress levels? Bullying, including cyberbullying, significantly impacts students’ mental health and increases their stress. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, students skipping school to avoid bullies. Female students are particularly vulnerable to online bullying.
3. What are the key stressors for college students? College students face stress from academic workload, adjusting to independent living, managing finances, and maintaining personal relationships. The transition to adulthood, combined with external factors like student loans and safety concerns, further exacerbates their stress.
4. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected student stress? The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified stress among students by disrupting their normal routines, increasing concerns about health and safety, and adding uncertainty about the future. Many students also worry about the well-being of their loved ones and the prolonged impact of the pandemic.
5. What mental health support is available for college students? Most colleges offer mental health services, including counseling and stress reduction programs. However, not all students utilize these resources, and there can be significant waiting times for appointments. Supportive faculty and administration are crucial in providing a supportive environment.
6. What impact does gun violence have on student stress? The threat of gun violence and school shootings significantly heightens stress among students, affecting their sense of safety and willingness to attend classes. This is particularly concerning in high-risk areas where incidents of gunfire on school grounds are more common.
7. How can students effectively manage their stress? Effective stress management for students includes utilizing mental health services, seeking support from family and friends, and engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise and hobbies. Schools and parents can also play a key role by providing a supportive environment and addressing the root causes of stress.
8. Why is stress management important for students? Managing stress is crucial for students as excessive stress can negatively impact their mental and physical health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Learning to manage stress effectively can help students maintain a healthier outlook and improve their ability to cope with challenges.

References:

1. Aiyer, A., Surani, S., Gill, Y., Ratnani, I., & Sunesara, S. (2020). COVID-19 anxiety and stress survey (CASS) in high school and college students due to coronavirus disease 2019. Chest, 158(4), A314.
2. Horowitz, J. M., & Graff, N. (2020, May 30). Most U.S. teens see anxiety, depression as major problems. Pew Research Center.
3. Tarsitano, N. (2019). Stress: An epidemic among college students. College News.
4. Wallace, J. B. (2019, September 26). Students in high-achieving schools are now named an ‘at-risk’ group, study says. The Washington Post.
5. After School. (2018, February 21). 45% of teens say they’re stressed “All the time,” turn to online resources and apps for help says poll on stress and mental health. GlobeNewswire.
6. Berning, S. (2019, February 13). Taking on stress in high school: How teens deal with the workload. LSW Online.
7. NCCD. (2019). Youth online: High school YRBS – 2019 results. CDC.
8. CDC. (2018). Preventing bullying. CDC.
9. U.S. Secret Service. (2019). Protecting America’s schools: A U.S. Secret Service analysis of targeted school violence. U.S. Secret Service.
10. Cyberbullying Research Center. (2020, February 3). 2019 cyberbullying data. Cyberbullying Research Center.
11. IES National Center for Education Statistics. (2018). Indicators of school crime and safety: 2018. BJS.
12. StopBullying.gov. (2020, August 12). Facts about bullying. StopBullying.gov.
13. Jacimovic, D. (2020, March 19). 18 eye-opening college student stress statistics. WhatToBecome.
14. Anderson, G. (2020, September 11). Students in great need of mental health support during pandemic. Inside Higher Ed.
15. Elflein, J. (2020, June 19). College student health in the U.S. Statista.
16. ACHA, & NCHA. (2019). Fall 2018 reference group data report. ACHA.
17. Jahnke, A. (2020, July 9). In college students, COVID-19 has increased depression rate and raised new barriers to mental healthcare. Boston University.
18. AUCCCD. (2017). The Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors annual survey. AUCCCD.
19. Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. (2021, February 25). Keeping our schools safe. Everytown.
20. ABC News. (2019, December 13). School shootings are more common than you may think: A look at the incidents that went under the radar in 2019. ABC News.

By Astrid Eira

Astrid Eira is a resident B2B expert of FinancesOnline, focusing on the SaaS niche. She specializes in accounting and human resource management software, writing honest and straightforward reviews of some of the most popular systems around. Being a small business owner herself, Astrid uses her expertise to help educate business owners and entrepreneurs on how new technology can help them run their operations. She's an avid fan of the outdoors, where you'll find her when she's not crunching numbers or testing out new software.