Somehow, another summer has come and gone, and kids are getting ready to head back to school. In fact, for some students, their fall semester has already begun.

Going into a new school year, whether you’re a teacher, parent, or student, is often a mixed bag: exciting, emotional, perhaps even nerve-wracking. One thing is certain: the year ahead is a blank canvas, full of unknowns, and the first day often feels the most daunting.

What do teens face as they step into this new chapter? A recent Pew Research Center study, surveying teens aged 13 to 17, offers valuable insights into their pressures, problems, and aspirations. These findings not only illuminate the realities of today’s youth but also serve as a guide for how we can support and pray for them throughout the school year.

1. Pressures

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the majority of teen students — 68% — feel immense pressure to get good grades. But beyond academics, there are several areas where teens feel anxiety about measuring up. For example, 47% feel pressure to “look good,” with another 41% feeling the heat to fit in socially. Thirty-one percent said they felt a need to be good at sports, with a third of teens thinking they should be physically strong and involved in extracurricular activities. And although it is the smallest percentage, at least 7% of the teens studied “feel a great deal or fair amount of pressure to be sexually active.”

The amount of stress students feel varies significantly depending on gender. For instance, girls feel more pressure to look good and fit in. Boys feel more pressure to be sporty and physically strong. Both boys and girls, however, are equally concerned with good grades and being involved, and both boys and girls experience pressure to be sexually active.

2. Problems

More than anything else, students are concerned about depression and anxiety. At least 30% said it is “extremely or very common at their school.” Beyond this, at least 22% said bullying is also extremely common at their school. Digging a little deeper, 19% said drug use was common, 17% are concerned about physical fights, and 14% mentioned alcohol use.

Female teens proved to be most concerned with depression and anxiety. Male students, on the other hand, acknowledged that physical fighting, drug use, and alcohol abuse were among their top concerns. Bullying, however, affects both, with 51% saying bullying is common among both boys and girls.

3. Goals

According to the research, many of these students have put some — if not a lot of — thought into their future plans and goals. In fact, at least 86% said “it’s extremely or very important to them to have a job or career they enjoy when they’re an adult.” Teens also said “having close friends (69%) and having a lot of money (58%) are highly important to them.” An additional 36% felt strong about getting married, with 30% also feeling strong about having children. Fifty-three percent stated plans of attending a four-year college directly after high school.

4. A Call to Prayer

This sort of research, while not a direct window into the soul, can help parents, siblings, friends, and school officials better prepare to care for the students in their lives. School is often stressful as it is. But the pressures and problems teens face can easily spiral into deeper struggles — fear, insecurity, or anxiety — if left unaddressed. For Christians, these insights are a call to intentional prayer, lifting up students as they step into the school year.

Pray that the drive for good grades fosters a passion for excellence rooted in purpose. Ask that teens find godly friends who uplift and encourage them, shielding them from negative influences. Seek protection for students against temptations like alcohol, drugs, or premarital sexual activity. For those battling depression or anxiety, pray for joy and excitement to fill their days — through meaningful classes, friendships with other Christians, or activities. Ask that students embrace their God-given identity, resisting pressures to conform or compare. For those wrestling with future plans, pray for divine guidance and peace, trusting that God will lead them through uncertainty.

And don’t forget school officials and parents. Pray that administrators and teachers prioritize truth and student well-being over personal or political agendas, exercising wisdom in their challenging roles. For parents, pray for patience and sensitivity to notice when their children are struggling, fostering open communication to address their concerns.

When you pray these things, don’t stop after the first day of school. Commit to praying for students throughout the school year, lifting them up as they prepare to step into the world. If you’re willing, commit to praying each day of the school year. After all, each moment of intercession is an investment in a child’s life — a chance to shape their heart and mind for greatness. School should be a place where young people are nurtured through vibrant ideas, open dialogue, and sharp critical thinking. Yet, too often, especially nowadays, these ideals are overshadowed by divisive rhetoric and agendas. Let’s pray fervently that this changes, restoring education to its true purpose.

Believe in the transformative power of prayer, knowing every moment spent in it is profoundly worthwhile. As the school year progresses, dedicate yourself to praying for parents and educators, yes. But perhaps above all, commit to praying for teens, that they may navigate challenges with resilience, grow in faith, and discover the hope and purpose God has for their lives.