Most kids love to ride high-speed roller coasters, watch scary films or be frightened on a Ghost Train at the fairground, but those who don’t might be at risk of anxiety issues according to a new report.

The Queensland University of Technology in Australia surveyed parents and children and discovered that kids who didn’t enjoy thrills and scares matched the number of mothers and fathers who believed their children to be excessively fearful.

The research showed that 18% of children who considered some activities ‘scary’ were seen as ‘fun’ activities by others. Dr. Marilyn Campbell and Dr. Linda Gilmore who carried out the research say there is a definite correlation with general fearfulness and anxiety and being scared of certain activities may signify a child has anxiety problems.

They go on to say that this is by no means a diagnosis, but it may indicate to parents they need to be aware if there are anxiety issues and the earlier these can be identified and addressed the easier it will be to cope and overcome them.

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