Child Burnout Epidemic on the Rise in UAE

Child Burnout in Afternoons: Increasing UAE Cases

Doctors in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly warning about a phenomenon many parents are unaware of: children can burn out too. Particularly the after-school period can lead to physical and mental issues, which are not always easy to recognize in time. Burnout—traditionally associated with adults—now occurs among elementary and high school children, mainly due to overloaded schedules and lack of rest.

No Time for Free Play

Pediatricians and psychologists alike emphasize that play—especially time spent outdoors—is not just recreation but an essential part of development. A recent British study reveals that one-third of children aged 7 to 12 do not play outdoors after school, while one in five children doesn’t venture out even on weekends. In the UAE, where high temperatures often make outdoor activities difficult, this issue can be even more severe.

Lack of free play results not only in a lack of physical activity but also hinders the long-term development of social and emotional skills. Skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and stress management are crucial for becoming a healthy, balanced adult.

Too Many "Enrichment Activities" Can Backfire

A 2024 American study indicates that the hours filled with "enrichment" activities—like after-school classes, sports, school clubs, and homework—are increasing among high schoolers. However, these can be mentally taxing, and according to the research, an excess of such activities does not automatically yield better academic results and can cause mental problems.

Local doctors note this trend is already noticeable in the UAE. More children are visiting them without specific illnesses but complain of headaches, stomach aches, or chronic fatigue. These complaints often appear in the evening, after a long school and activity-packed day.

Burnout Symptoms in Children

Child burnout doesn’t always present itself like it does in adults. Often, children cannot verbally express the stress they’re experiencing. Instead, they manifest physical symptoms—such as frequent headaches, stomach problems, or fatigue—and may exhibit behavioral changes, becoming irritable, withdrawn, or losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed.

Sleep problems can also be warning signs: if a child struggles to fall asleep, sleeps restlessly, or wakes up tired, it could indicate excessive strain. Declining school performance or sudden mood swings are also telling indications.

The Immune System Suffers Too

Physical overload affects the immune system as well. Doctors report that too many organized activities and insufficient rest time increase the frequency of colds and infections in children. Stress impacts not only the mind but also the body, weakening defenses.

Finding Balance

Experts agree that balance is key. However, this is not always easy in an environment where parents often feel competitive—not only with one another but with expectations too. Many feel that if their child does not attend extra classes, does not regularly engage in sports, and does not participate in extracurricular activities, they will fall behind peers.

Instead, it's advisable to consider the child’s genuine interests and choose activities that bring them joy. Home-based, unstructured playtime, family dinners without gadgets, and rest and good sleep all contribute to balanced development.

Appropriate amounts of sleep depending on age are crucial. Younger children need at least 9–12 hours, while teenagers require 8–10 hours of sleep. Inadequate sleep can lead to learning difficulties, attention disorders, and mood swings in the long run.

The Role of Open Communication

Regular, open communication with children can help parents notice if something is amiss in a timely manner. A trusting atmosphere should be created, where a child feels comfortable talking about feelings of overwhelm or fatigue. It’s important for parents to focus not only on results and performance but also on the child’s overall well-being.

School programs—like afternoon activities and study sessions—can be beneficial if selected properly and not overburdening the child. These can reduce the need for evening engagements, leaving more time for family togetherness and rest.

Conclusion

The mental and physical health of children closely aligns with their schedules, activities, and rest. Doctors in the UAE clearly advise parents to watch for early signs of burnout and avoid the error of viewing an overloaded schedule as the key to a successful future. True success is measured not only by academic achievements but also by a child being happy, balanced, and having the opportunity to play, rest, and develop healthily.

(Source: United Arab Emirates physicians' statement.)