Helping Families Navigate Anxiety: McGill’s 2025 Critical Contributions to Language and Emotional Well-Being

Anxiety is increasingly affecting the ways children learn, grow, and interact with the world around them, highlighting the importance of research and support in these areas.

At Langmobile, we’ve long admired the important work McGill University has done in the field of linguistics. From advancing research in language acquisition and bilingualism to deepening understanding of syntax, phonology, and sociolinguistics, McGill has consistently contributed valuable insights that resonate with our mission of fostering language learning in meaningful, human-centered ways. Faculty and researchers have explored how languages are learned, preserved, and used in society, contributing not only to academic knowledge but also to the cultural and educational life of our communities.

Anxiety in children has been rising in recent years, and while our own focus is on teaching and inspiring children through language, our commitment to supporting families extends well beyond vocabulary and grammar. We believe that language learning and emotional well-being go hand in hand, a reality now well documented in research.

The Rise of Childhood Anxiety: What the Data Shows

Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in childhood anxiety worldwide. In the United States, diagnoses among adolescents aged 12–17 have jumped by over 60%, while broader age groups have also seen sharp increases. Studies point to a combination of factors, including the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in schooling and social life, heightened academic pressures, and the influence of digital and social media.
In the U.K., referrals for anxiety in children more than doubled between 2019–20 and 2023–24. Experts note that many children, and their parents, have adapted to a constant state of stress, making it more difficult to return to a calmer baseline. Globally, mental health professionals are seeing similar patterns: sharper spikes in worry, more pronounced physical symptoms of stress, and difficulty coping with everyday challenges.

What We See in Our Own Programs

At Langmobile, we welcome nearly 3,000 children into our summer programs each year and work with over 200 children weekly in our online classes. This gives us a unique vantage point into the evolving needs of young learners. We have noticed that children today often experience more intense reactions to challenges, whether that’s meeting new peers, performing in a group, or tackling a skill they find difficult.
Our approach has always been to create a safe, supportive environment where children feel seen, heard, and encouraged. Whether a child is navigating social anxiety, struggling with performance pressure, or simply having a hard day, our teachers and activity leaders are there to offer patience, space, and reassurance. We know that emotional well-being is foundational to learning, and that when children feel secure, they can explore, experiment, and grow more freely.

Sharing a McGill Study We Think Families Will Find Valuable

In light of these trends and our observations, we wanted to share information about an ongoing study from McGill University’s Childhood Anxiety and Regulation of Emotions Lab. While we are not involved in the project, we believe it may be of interest to families in our community.
The C.A.R.E. with Confidence study is designed for English-speaking parents of children aged 2–11. Participants are invited to:

• Complete a short 10–15 minute survey, three times over three months
• Join a 90-minute online workshop or group discussion on building parenting confidence using evidence-based strategies
  Participants will also be entered into a draw to win one of 20 $50 e-gift cards. The study is led by primary researcher Michael Naoufal, M.A. and Research Supervisor Dr. Tina Montreuil, PhD.
  You can find more details in the flyer below.

A Shared Goal: Supporting Children Through Life 

While our work focuses on language education, our mission is also to nurture children’s overall development. By sharing opportunities like this McGill study, we hope to connect families with tools, research, and strategies that can help them navigate the complexities of raising confident, resilient children.
Anxiety may be on the rise, but so too is our collective ability to understand it, and to support children in building the skills they need to thrive.

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