16-17 Demographic in United Kingdom

• Academic pressure and exam stress: Higher-stakes GCSEs or equivalent assessments can lead to anxiety, sleep problems, and perfectionism.
• Identity and social belonging: Navigating peer groups, online presence, and self-image can cause heightened worry about acceptance and body image.
• Familial expectations and transition planning: Pressure from family about future schooling, apprenticeships, or career paths can feel overwhelming.
• Mental health stigma and help-seeking barriers: Younger teens may worry about confidentiality or being judged if they disclose struggles.
• Cyberbullying and online safety: Exposure to harassment or negative comparisons on social media can trigger mood changes and anxiety.
• Sleep disruption: Late-school days, screen time, and irregular routines can impact mood, attention, and irritability.
• Trauma and adverse experiences: Exposure to family conflict, bereavement, or other traumatic events can have a pronounced effect during adolescence.
• Transition stressors: Changes such as moving schools, starting work placements, or leaving primary school can provoke insecurity and stress.
• Executive functioning demands: Organising assignments, managing time, and meeting deadlines can be particularly challenging at this age.
• Health anxieties: Concerns about physical development, puberty, and body changes can heighten stress and self-consciousness.

If you’re noticing this age group in a workplace context, consider: structured mental health check-ins, flexible study/work combinations, safe channels for confidential support, and access to resources like October for group sessions and content on stress management and resilience.