ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s teenagers are among the least happy in the nation, with parents rating their happiness at just 5 out of 10, below the national average of 5.5, according to a new survey by Mission Prep. The study, which surveyed 3,012 parents of adolescents nationwide, reveals stark regional differences in teen well-being, with Maryland ranking 45th out of 50 states in the “Teenage Happiness Index.” The findings highlight the pressures Maryland teens face, including peer dynamics, social media, and academic demands, while pointing to sources of joy like friendships and pets.
The survey asked parents a simple question: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy is your teen?” Kansas topped the list with a 9/10 rating, followed by Delaware, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and South Dakota, all at 8/10. At the bottom, Mississippi scored 2/10, with New Mexico, Maine, Alabama, and Rhode Island at 3/10. Maryland’s 5/10 rating places it just above these states, signaling significant challenges for its adolescents. The data aligns with broader trends reported by the CDC, which notes rising mental health concerns among U.S. teens, particularly in urban and coastal states.
In Maryland, 72% of parents reported their teen’s mood remained stable over the past year, 19% saw improvement (7% significantly, 12% slightly), and 9% noted a decline (5% slightly, 4% significantly). Parents identified peer relationships (31%), social media and screen time (30%), and academic pressures (22%) as the top stressors. Family conflict (10%) and household financial worries (6%) were less prominent but still notable. Maryland teens average 3 hours and 32 minutes daily on social media or personal devices, excluding homework, a figure consistent with national averages reported by Common Sense Media.
Despite these challenges, parents highlighted sources of happiness for their teens. Time with friends (23%), pets or animals (16%), and family moments (15%) were the most cited, followed by physical activity (14%), creative pursuits (11%), and solitude (8%). Social media (6%) and academic success (5%) ranked lower, suggesting real-world connections outweigh digital or scholastic achievements in boosting mood.
The survey also categorized teens’ current states: 45% are “thriving” (vibrant, engaged, hopeful), 35% are “managing” (functional but stressed), 10% are “struggling” (low energy, moody, distant), and 10% are “at risk” (showing signs of anxiety). Reflecting on their own adolescence, 51% of Maryland parents said their teen’s happiness mirrors their own, 34% believe their teens are happier (16% much more, 18% slightly), and 15% see their teens as less happy (11% slightly, 4% much less).
Aja Chavez, National Executive Director of Mission Prep, emphasized the findings’ implications: “This survey reveals a complex emotional landscape for today’s teens. While it’s heartening to see nearly half of adolescents described as ‘thriving,’ the sharp contrasts between states — and the daily pressures teens face — underscore that there’s no one-size-fits-all experience of growing up in America right now. From screen time to social pressure, today’s youth are balancing more than ever. But what’s equally clear is the power of simple joys — friendship, family, pets, and creativity — as real anchors of happiness.”
The study suggests Maryland’s low ranking may stem from factors like academic competition in its highly rated school systems and limited access to mental health resources in some areas, as noted in a 2024 Maryland Department of Health report. Parents and educators are urged to foster environments that prioritize social connections and emotional resilience to counter these pressures.
