Know what your options are if matric results are poor

PARENTS‚ tell your children there are always options.

That is the advice from the KwaZuluNatal division of child protection organisation Childline as many of the country’s 2017 matric pupils await their results.

“One can rewrite certain papers or even repeat a year. Failure does not mean that the future is over. Failure can be turned into an opportunity to learn and develop. Learners must verify their results and whatever the outcome‚ if the need arises they must speak to someone.

“High achievers are also put under pressure to perform and achieve multiple distinctions – however, even in this case there is the option of remarking‚” said Childline KZN operations manager Adeshini Naicker.

The organisation is prepared for calls from distraught pupils who may have not fared well in the examinations.

“But we are hopeful that the numbers will actually decrease due to the awareness created around matric results over the past few years. Our outreach programmes have also covered the issue of examination results and the reactions resulting from it‚” Naicker said.

She advised parents to show love‚ guidance and support to children who may have failed.

Parents also need to look out for a change in behaviour. “Withdrawal and a change in sleeping patterns are a sign of depression.” — DDC