Pressures teens are facing | Pew Research Center

Academics are a major pressure point for teens, with 68% saying they face a great deal or fair amount of pressure to get good grades.

Overview

Added

March 5, 2026

Audience

learner

Grade range

Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)

Page kind

Article

Introduction

Key Pressures Facing Teens

  • Primary Stressor: Getting good grades is the most significant pressure for teens, with 68% reporting a great deal or fair amount of pressure.
  • Social and Physical Pressures:
    • Looking good: 47%
    • Fitting in socially: 41%
    • Being physically strong: 33%
    • Extracurricular involvement: 33%
    • Being good at sports: 31%
    • Being sexually active: 7%
  • Gender Differences:
    • Girls report higher pressure than boys regarding appearance (55% vs. 39%) and fitting in socially (45% vs. 37%).
    • Boys report higher pressure than girls regarding physical strength (43% vs. 23%) and athletic performance (36% vs. 27%).
  • Shared Pressures: Boys and girls report similar levels of pressure regarding academic grades, extracurricular activities, and sexual activity.

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