IELTS essay: Causes of excessive pressure on children

Essay topic

Nowadays children are experiencing too much educational and social pressure. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to reduce the pressure?

Sample response

Parents now expect too much from their children. Most of them want their children to get into prestigious institutions and secure jobs with six figure salaries. Consequently children are under tremendous pressure to perform.

For example, in India most parents want their children to get into IITs or secure a medical degree. They don’t care whether the child has aptitude for science or mathematics. They understand that a degree from these prestigious institutions have the potential to change lives for better.

However, parents who expect too much from their children aren’t doing them a service. Students who fail to do well in examinations often fall into depression. Some even commit suicides. They can’t come to terms with the fact that they failed to live up to the expectations of their parents.

The media has played an important role in developing this culture. The media glorifies winners. They are given too much coverage. Thanks to the proliferation of cable television and the internet, every parent now wants their child to be featured on television programs and newspapers. Actually, academic pressure isn’t the only burden on children these days. They are required to excel in extracurricular activities as well. Most children attend singing, dancing and drawing classes. A lot of them receive training in martial arts and musical instruments.  

Reality shows are another culprit. Of course, they give talented children a platform to showcase their skills. But they are also putting unwanted stress on children who lack these skills. Not all children are born to be a singer or dancer. Parents need to realize this.

To conclude, unrealistic expectations are the number one cause of stress among children. Parents must be sensitized about this problem. They must realize that children who are under tremendous pressure to perform are unlikely to succeed in school or life.

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

Leave a Reply