Childline can help over exam stress

EXAMS are an inevitable part of life for schoolchildren and this year will be no different, as many teenagers across Northern Ireland are now in the midst of GCSEs and A-levels.

It is an important time for young people who are looking to do well, so they can take the next step in their chosen education or career path.

But, for many, it is a time of immense stress, with some feeling that the pressure is becoming too much for them to take on alone.

Our Childline service is here to help with those concerns.

New figures from the NSPCC service reveal it delivered 92 counselling sessions last year (2017/18) to children from Northern Ireland who were struggling to cope with the pressures that the exams were putting on them.

It is important that young people know that they are not alone and that Childline will listen to them. We understand that getting good results is important, but we want to calm and reassure them that they always have options.

There are lots of tips and advice for young people and their families on the Childline website on how to manage exam stress.

These include: taking regular breaks from revising and getting a good night’s sleep; writing down your worries, then throwing the paper away, or giving it to someone you trust; going for a walk, or doing some exercise and; remembering that everyone’s different — try not to compare yourself to your friends.

We would also encourage young people to talk to a family member, or teacher, if things are getting on top of them.

Childline is always available to chat online, or on the phone (0800 1111), or at childline.org.uk.

MAIREAD MONDS

Childline manager, NSPCC (NI)