Children’s Word of the Year for 2022: What Does “Anxiety” Tell Us?
In 2022, Oxford University Press named “anxiety” as *Children’s Word of the Year*—reflecting how young people felt amidst ongoing global pressures. Let’s explore why it mattered.
How Was It Chosen?
OUP asked thousands of UK children aged 6–14 to share words that shaped their year. “Anxiety” emerged as the top choice—showing emotional awareness in young voices (OUP). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Why It Resonated
- Ongoing pandemic uncertainty kept mental health in focus.
- School pressures, climate concerns and social media also drove anxiety.
- Selecting this word shows children’s awareness of emotional wellbeing.
What It Reveals About Kids Today
- Children can identify feelings—especially worry or fear.
- They absorb community stress and frame it in their own words.
- Calling anxiety important suggests openness to mental‑health conversations.
How Adults Can Respond
- Validate feelings: Say “It’s okay to feel worried sometimes.”
- Teach coping skills: Breathing, grounding, creative activities can help.
- Model calm discussions: Share your own worry-handling strategies in a child‑friendly way.
Real‑Life Example
Eight‑year‑old Maya chose “anxiety” and explained it meant “feeling nervous before tests or hearing grown‑ups argue.” She helped start a mindfulness group in her class—showing empowerment through understanding her feelings.
FAQs
1. What is Children’s Word of the Year?
It’s a word chosen by children based on what impacted them most that year—showing their emotional and social climate.
2. Has “anxiety” been chosen before?
Not by children. In adult polls, “anxiety” was often highlighted in 2021, but being selected by kids in 2022 is especially telling. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
3. Should parents worry?
Awareness is not the same as crisis—kids naming “anxiety” means they feel it and can talk about it. That’s a chance to support, not panic.
4. How can schools support students?
Introduce brief mindfulness, breathing breaks, emotional literacy and safe talking spaces to normalise these feelings.
5. What words might define future years?
Themes like “climate,” “chaos,” or “hope” could emerge—kids choose words that reflect their lived experiences and what matters to them.
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Final Thought
Kids choosing “anxiety” as their top word shows emotional awareness—and a wish for their feelings to be heard. It’s more than a word: it’s a call to adults to listen, educate, support and build resilience together.