Young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world. From global crises and economic uncertainty to the constant presence of online information, many are navigating pressures that previous generations never experienced at the same age. Yet amid these challenges, one message emerges consistently from recent youth research: young people are not simply looking for solutions to their problems. They are looking for connection, support and reassurance that they will be heard.
Findings from Norway’s 2026 Children’s Barometer (Barnebarometer) highlight how concerns about uncertainty, information overload and social isolation can shape young people's wellbeing. At the same time, they reveal the protective factors that help young people cope: trusted adults, strong friendships, reliable information and opportunities to maintain a sense of normality.
Stress and uncertainty are increasingly part of young people's lives
The research shows that anxiety about the future is widespread among Norwegian adolescents. Almost seven in ten young people are concerned about at least one major crisis: with war and conflict in Norway (51%), pandemics (31%), economic hardship (35%) and extreme weather (29%) among their leading concerns. More than half are worried about war or unrest, while over a third worry about pandemics and the rising cost of living.
While these concerns are rooted in large-scale events, young people often describe stress through its impact on everyday life. In open responses, they spoke about losing contact with friends, disruptions to school, uncertainty about the future and the loss of routines that help them feel secure. Young people repeatedly linked crisis situations with loneliness, boredom, reduced motivation and declining wellbeing.
These findings echo insights from Verian's research on behalf of the Dutch Collaborative Health Funds, focusing on stress, mental pressure, coping mechanisms, and social support among young people. The study found that stress among young people is often driven by school pressures, feeling overwhelmed by daily demands and concerns about mental health. Importantly, stress was closely linked to lower levels of social support.
Together, these studies highlight a crucial insight: stress is not only about what happens to young people, but also about whether they feel supported while navigating those experiences.
The role of online behaviours is more nuanced than often assumed
Conversations about young people's mental health frequently focus on screen time and social media. However, the Barnebarometer findings suggest a more complex picture.
Young people see digital platforms as both a source of support and a source of stress. Many view the internet, gaming and social media as important ways to stay connected, distract themselves and maintain relationships during difficult periods. Around three in ten young people said gaming, internet use and social media could help reduce their worries during a crisis.
At the same time, many recognised that constant exposure to news and online content can increase anxiety. Young people described the importance of taking breaks from news and social media when information becomes overwhelming. They wanted access to reliable information, but not an endless stream of alarming updates.
This balance is critical. Young people are not asking to be disconnected; instead, they want help navigating information in a way that supports their wellbeing. They value trusted sources, clear explanations and information designed specifically for young audiences. More than half felt they currently receive too little information about preparing for major crises, while many expressed frustration at unclear or inconsistent communication during past events such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
The challenge for organisations, educators and policymakers is therefore not simply to reduce online engagement, but to create healthier digital environments and more trustworthy ways of communicating with young people.
Connection remains the foundation of wellbeing
Perhaps the strongest message from the research is that young people's wellbeing is deeply rooted in relationships.
When asked what would help them cope during a crisis, young people consistently highlighted trusted adults, family members and friends in Norway’s 2026 Children’s Barometer. Prepared adults who take responsibility (61%), young people learning preparedness skills (52%), support from trusted adults (50%). information from reliable sources (50%) and opportunities to talk with friends (48%) would help reduce their worries.
When discussing what they would need to stay mentally well, they repeatedly referred to:
- Contact with family and friends
- Trusted adults who listen and provide guidance
- Opportunities to avoid loneliness
- Clear routines and structure
- Physical activity and meaningful activities
- Reliable, age-appropriate information
These findings were echoed in Verian’s research for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, Children and Young People’s Voices. The largest child-led research exercise ever undertaken by a UK public inquiry, this explored the impact of the pandemic amongst 600 young people aged 5-18 at its onset. Young people shared how finding ways to do something rewarding and stay active helped them to cope with lockdown and described how vital support from family and friends was to their wellbeing. This was particularly important when schools were shut, highlighting the value of school as a place for social connection as well as learning.
The importance of social support aligns closely with findings from our behavioural research among young people, which emphasised that even small acts of attention from adults can make a significant difference. The campaign was built on evidence showing that young people experiencing higher levels of stress often report lower levels of social support, and that supportive relationships can act as an important buffer against stress.
For young people, wellbeing is rarely about a single intervention. It is about knowing that someone is available, someone is listening and someone cares.
Creating environments where young people can thrive
The research suggests that supporting young people's mental health requires more than responding when problems emerge. It means creating environments that foster belonging, confidence and resilience before challenges arise.
Schools play a particularly important role. Young people described schools not only as places of learning but also as sources of routine, social connection and emotional support. When reflecting on past crises, many felt that greater attention should have been paid to mental health, social connection and maintaining opportunities for interaction.
Young people also want to be involved in conversations about their future. They do not want information to be hidden from them. Instead, they want honest communication, opportunities to contribute and reassurance that their perspectives matter.
A simple but powerful lesson
Across both Norway's Barnebarometer and Verian's wider research on youth stress, a consistent theme emerges: young people cope best when they feel informed, included and connected.
The most effective response to stress is not always a major intervention. Sometimes it is a trusted adult checking in, a friend staying in touch, a teacher providing clarity or a community ensuring no young person feels left behind.
In a world where uncertainty can feel overwhelming, attention, connection and support remain some of the most powerful tools we have to protect young people's mental health and wellbeing
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