Why Math Anxiety Is Rising and What Parents Can Do About It

Math should be about patterns, problem-solving, and discovery. Yet for millions of students, it sparks fear instead of curiosity. The research is clear: math anxiety is widespread and growing, and it can shape not only how children feel about school but also their long-term opportunities.

The Scope of the Problem

• Up to 93% of U.S. adults report some level of math anxiety. (University of Chicago, Journal of Numerical Cognition, 2021)

• In international comparisons, girls consistently report higher levels of math anxiety than boys, despite performing equally well on assessments like PISA. (OECD, PISA 2018 Report)

• Math anxiety can start shockingly early: children as young as 6 years old show measurable anxiety responses when faced with math tasks. (Developmental Science, 2019)

• In middle school, around one in three students report moderate to high levels of math anxiety, according to a 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology.

Why It Matters

Math anxiety isn’t just about emotions — it affects brain function.

• Neuroimaging studies show that math-anxious students activate fear centers in the brain (like the amygdala) before they even start solving problems. (Journal of Neuroscience, 2012)

• This anxiety reduces working memory, making it harder to think through multi-step problems. (Ashcraft & Krause, Educational Psychologist, 2007)

• Over time, math anxiety leads to avoidance behaviors, fewer advanced course enrollments, and reduced career pathways in STEM. (National Science Foundation, 2020)

https://dyscalculianetwork.com/dyscalculia-maths-anxiety/

Causes of Rising Math Anxiety

1. Speed and Timed Tests

   • Research shows that pressure to answer quickly triggers anxiety spikes, especially in elementary students. (Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 2014)

2. Overemphasis on Memorization

   • Students drilled on rote procedures often don’t develop conceptual understanding, making math fragile under stress.

3. Parental and Teacher Messaging

   • Studies show that when adults say “I’m not a math person,” children internalize the same belief. (Psychological Science, 2015)

4. Performance Pressure in High-Stakes Environments

   • Competitive academic settings and test-heavy curricula exacerbate the problem.

🎥 Watch: Why Do People Get So Anxious About Math?

Here’s a quick video from YouTube that breaks down the science behind math anxiety and why it affects so many students:

What Parents Can Do

1. Normalize Struggle as Part of Learning

• Children need to know mistakes are part of growth. In fact, brain scans show that errors trigger neural growth signals when kids reflect on them. (Journal of Experimental Psychology, 2017)

2. Focus on Problem-Solving, Not Speed

• Replace flashcard drills with puzzles, logic games, and math stories that require thought, not rapid recall.

3. Use Positive Language About Math

• Avoid phrases like “I was never good at math.” Instead, model curiosity: “Let’s figure this out together.”

4. Encourage Growth Mindset

• Carol Dweck’s research shows that students with a growth mindset outperform peers because they view effort as the path to mastery. (Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, 2006)

5. Provide Enrichment, Not Just Tutoring

• Enrichment programs that combine challenge and fun — like math games, projects, and problem-based learning — can rebuild confidence and motivation.

How SparkWise Helps

At SparkWise, we’ve built math classes designed to reduce anxiety and build confidence:

• No timed drills or rote memorization.

• Interactive, problem-solving challenges that make math feel like discovery.

• Certified teachers who provide encouragement and constructive feedback.

• A supportive online environment where students collaborate instead of compete.

Parents often tell us that after a few weeks, their child goes from “I hate math” to “Can we do another problem?”

Why wait? Book a free trial today!

Key Takeaways

• Math anxiety is rising, with up to one-third of students struggling in school and over 90% of adults feeling it at some point.

• It affects brain function, memory, and long-term STEM opportunities.

• Causes include speed pressure, rote learning, and negative messaging.

• Parents can help by reframing mistakes, focusing on problem-solving, and choosing enrichment that makes math fun and challenging.