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Early childhood is a time when several risk factors for anxiety disorders emerge and can be addressed. For example, being withdrawn or wary in new situations coupled with shyness — known as behavioural inhibition — has long been recognized as a potent early childhood risk factor. One study, which followed nearly 1,000 children from ages four to six, found behavioural inhibition increased the risk for developing an anxiety disorder. Having a parent with high levels of anxiety also increased children’s risk.

These findings can be applied to help parents and other caregivers support children who are behaviourally inhibited. For example, parents can encourage children to face situations that cause them anxiety. This could include a father creating opportunities for his shy daughter to meet new children at a playground and supporting her to play with others. Similarly, educators can structure activities so that anxious children are paired with socially skilled and supportive peers. Parents and educators can also encourage children to be more confident in new situations by praising them for being so. As well, parents can support their children by addressing their own anxiety, so they are better able to model coping well in situations they find fearful.

The previously noted study identified other factors that influence the development of childhood anxiety that are particularly relevant for educators. For example, being a victim of bullying behaviour put children at risk while having good social skills protected them. These findings are salient for educators since bullying behaviours often occur in school and many effective antibullying programs can be delivered in schools. Educators are also well positioned to effectively teach children social skills.

For more information, see Vol. 18, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

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This week marks two significant awareness days, both grounded in prevention and community care.

Sept. 9 is International FASD Awareness Day. This annual event raises awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), advocating for better prevention, diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD. This year’s theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community,” highlights the power of collective support. It also reframes healthy pregnancies as a shared responsibility, not just a matter of telling people not to drink. Notably, studies suggest that women facing significant adversities, such as poverty and lack of social supports, are at greater risk of using alcohol during pregnancy, underscoring the importance of community care. To learn more, see Vol. 5, No. 2 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

The following day, Sept. 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. Organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, the purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. This year marks the final year of the triennial theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” which encourages open and honest conversations about suicide and suicidal behaviour while emphasizing the importance of connection and collaborative action. When it comes to children and youth, efforts to prevent suicide are strengthened by knowledge of risk and protective factors. To learn more about these factors, see Vol. 16, No. 4 and Vol. 17, No. 1 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

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The burdens of anxiety disorders go beyond those experienced by young people. Hardships often extend to family members. For example, parents may end up missing work and incurring costs for treatments that are not publicly funded. Society also pays a price, in the form of lost human potential, when childhood anxiety is not prevented or treated early. Collective fiscal expenses exist as well. For instance, a Dutch study found that annual per capita societal costs were approximately $6,500 (in 2024 CDN$) higher for children with anxiety disorders than for those without them when considering costs such as health care, special education and loss of paid work for parents.

For more information, see Vol. 18, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

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Though young people around the world experience different day-to-day realities, they share common aspirations — and common challenges. That’s the message shared by United Nations (UN) for this year’s International Youth Day event.

Held annually on August 12, International Youth Day celebrates young people’s achievements and raises awareness of the challenges they face. The day positions youth as meaningful contributors and partners in the UN’s push to meet its sustainable development goals.

The 2026 theme, Different Contexts, Common Aspirations, recognizes that while young people’s lives are shaped by different local and national forces, they share many similar aspirations. According to the UN, these include dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education and a sustainable future.

The theme also highlights the interconnected challenges young people face, such as climate change, limited access to education and concerns about mental well-being. It calls for global responses to these challenges.

The United Nations will commemorate International Youth Day through an online campaign inviting young people worldwide to share messages of hope, support and collaboration. You can learn more on the United Nations website.

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In high-income countries, more children are diagnosed with anxiety disorders than any other mental health condition. In BC, this means an estimated 42,000 children aged four to 18 likely meet criteria for an anxiety disorder at any given time. To receive such a diagnosis, young people must experience anxiety that is severe enough to cause considerable distress or impair functioning or both. And because many children do not receive treatment for their anxiety disorders, these disorders often persist into adulthood — taking a substantial toll.

For more information, see Vol. 18, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.