In short
- In the poll, 34% selected the future among their top three worries and 31% selected exams; first-choice rankings were different.
- The survey of 2,260 UK 13–19-year-olds records reported concerns, not diagnoses or evidence that worries are increasing.
- 57% said they would turn first to a parent or guardian if worried. NSPCC guidance recommends open questions and listening before advice.
Concerns about the future and exams were the most commonly selected top-three worries in a new UK poll of 2,260 young people aged 13–19. Savanta published the NSPCC-commissioned findings on 30 October 2026.
When asked to rank their top three concerns from a fixed list, 34% selected what the future will bring and 31% selected exams, according to the original survey tables. That is different from naming either concern as their single biggest worry.
Which worries came up?
In the top-three results, 28% selected body image or appearance, 27% fitting in or friendships, and 26% mental health. Respondents could select more than one concern, so the percentages overlap.
The order changes when only first-ranked answers are counted. Exams had the largest share at 13%, while 10% put the future first. The findings do not establish that small differences between concerns are statistically meaningful.
What the poll can tell parents
Savanta conducted the online survey from 25 September to 2 October 2026 and says it weighted the results by gender, region, social grade and ethnicity. The sample includes 18- and 19-year-olds as well as younger teenagers.
These are reported worries, not clinical diagnoses. The poll does not show what causes them or whether teenagers are more worried than before. Its published methods and tables do not give poll-specific recruitment details or a response rate. Fixed choices and an online sample cannot capture every young person’s experience.
In a separate question, 57% said they would go first to a parent or guardian if something was worrying them. That was a hypothetical question about where they would turn, not a record of who actually sought help.
Talking about worries
The NSPCC’s guidance on talking about difficult topics advises asking open questions, giving a young person time to answer without interrupting, and listening before offering opinions or advice. It also suggests asking what they would like you to do to help.
That is separate charity guidance, not an intervention tested by this poll. If a young person is struggling with their mental health, the NSPCC recommends speaking to their GP about professional help.
Where young people can find support
Childline supports anyone under 19 in the UK. Its free phone number is 0800 1111, available day and night. Its confidentiality promise explains the safeguarding and legal circumstances in which information may need to be shared.
The poll includes 19-year-olds, who fall outside Childline’s age limit. Childline’s turning-19 page signposts other support services for them.