Children and young people can feel anxious about various things at different times, just like adults do.

Young children commonly experience separation anxiety from the age of around 6 months to 3 years old. We might notice that they can be clingy and may cry when are away from their parents.

As they grow older, it is also common for preschool children to develop certain fears. For example, many preschool children are afraid of certain insects, heights, thunderstorms, water, and the dark. These fears often subside on their own.

In addition, children also can feel anxious when going to new places (e.g., going to a new school or starting the new school year) or before tests or examinations. Many children feel shy when meeting new people and when making new friends.

However, anxiety becomes a problem if it starts to hinder their everyday life and functioning. For example, most children feel anxious going for a test, but not all will be so anxious that they are unable to leave the house to go to school that morning.

If anxiety persists and affects their everyday life, that might be an indication that more support is needed.