Research on the Mental Health and Child Development Implications of Hurried Child Syndrome

A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work looks at the problem of hurried child syndrome in Nigeria, where children are pushed too hard by their parents to move quickly through school and grow up faster than they should.

The study found that this rush is caused by things like weak school policies, too many private schools, busy parents, and pressure from society to succeed quickly. As a result, children are forced to keep up with too much work and activities — which then leads to problems like anxiety, sadness, and poor school performance.

The study also shows that this pressure on children affects more than just schoolwork. It takes away the fun and important parts of childhood, like playing with friends and having fun. Instead, children feel stressed out and worry about failing. This can lead to health problems like stomachaches and headaches, and serious issues like depression and even thoughts of suicide.

The study warns that rushing children through their education without giving them time to grow emotionally and socially can cause them to be unprepared for life as adults.

Understanding the Research

This study was done in Ebonyi State, one of Nigeria’s 36 states. It focused on pupils and students (classes 1–3) from both public and private schools. Ebonyi State was chosen because there is little research on how hurried child syndrome affects children's well-being in the state.

The researchers collected data through in-depth interviews (IDIs). They assured participants of voluntary participation and confidentiality. For participants under 18 years old (pupils and students), the researchers obtained parental consent.

The findings of the study reveal multiple causes of hurried child syndrome in schools, particularly in Ebonyi State. These include the following:

• The lack of enforcement of national education policies results in underage children being enrolled in schools.
• The increase in private schools makes the problem worse, as many of these schools accept children of all ages, including those who are too young, as long as parents can afford the fees.
• Some parents are eager to have their children graduate early, either to secure jobs or to fulfill personal aspirations.
• Parents sometimes enroll their children in school simply to follow trends or compete with others in their social circles, not because it benefits the child’s development.
• Parents who marry later in life or have children later may feel the need to accelerate their children’s education to make up for lost time.
• Many parents adhere to the belief that early education is critical, and thus, they push their children to start school as soon as possible.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Hurried child syndrome has both good and bad effects. Some children do well in school and excel academically, while others feel too much pressure, which can cause stress, depression, and problems with social skills and emotions.

If you are a parent or caregiver, here are three tips to help manage the pressures of early education while supporting your child’s mental health:

Make sure your child has lots of time to play and relax

While academics are important, so is allowing your child time to be a child. Childhood is a very important period for emotional and social development — and spending time playing, interacting with peers, and immersing themselves in imaginative activities is needed to build these skills!

Here’s a great tip: Instead of filling their free time with screens, fill them with activities that promote active play, like sports, arts and crafts, or nature walks.

Avoid pushing for early education

Rather than pushing your child to start school early, wait until they are emotionally and socially ready. Remember that every child develops at their own pace.

Parents can use play to help kids develop a love for learning. This keeps things fun and relaxed without formal schooling. Try activities that spark your child’s curiosity, such as reading together, solving puzzles, or playing educational games.

Be mindful of the pressures you place on your child

Expecting your child to achieve perfect grades or excel in subjects before they are developmentally ready can lead to unnecessary stress.

Another source of stress would be enrolling your child in too many extracurricular activities, like sports, music, or tutoring — which can leave little time for rest and play. Comparing your child’s achievements to those of other children can also make them feel inadequate or that they must constantly compete.

Children can feel your anxiety or desires for their success. Keep your expectations realistic.

The researchers suggest that school counselors and others should raise awareness about hurried child syndrome and advocate for better school rules to protect children’s health.

If your child or teen needs extra support for mental health and stress reduction, our worksheets are here to help! Check out our collections here.