Many pupils ‘struggling to cope with exam stress’
THOUSANDS of schoolchildren are turning to counselling to help them cope with the overwhelming stress of exams, a charity says.
New figures from Childline reveal it delivered 3,135 counselling sessions on exam stress in 2016-17 across the UK – a rise of 11% on the previous year.
More than a fifth of contacts took place in May 2016 as pupils faced upcoming exams, with many telling counsellors they were struggling with subjects, excessive workloads and feeling unprepared.
Children aged 12 to 15 were most likely to be counselled about exam stress.
But the figure is on the rise (21%) among those about to take their Alevels.
The NSPCC-run service said young people are consistently telling counsellors exam stress can contribute to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, excessive crying, low self-esteem, selfharming and suicidal thoughts, or even make pre-existing mental health conditions worse.
One teenage boy who contacted Childline said: “I’m really feeling the pressure of A-levels,
“I’ve been having panic attacks and difficulty breathing.
“I’m so afraid of not getting the right grades and I’m stressed about the future.
“My life could turn out so differently depending on what I get.”
A Childline counsellor offered her own advice about how to deal with exam stress.
“I found talking to family and friends, having breaks from revision, going outside and meeting with friends throughout the week helped with exam stress,” she said.
“I like to think my experience can help them as I was quite a stressful person when I was in school.
“I try to tell them that they should try to meet with friends and family as it can help their wellbeing.
“I would go for a run or a walk with my friends and arrange things throughout the week.
“Simple things like going downstairs and talking to my family, or giving myself days off revision, also helped.”
Des Mannion, head of NSPCC Cymru/Wales, said: “Every year we hear from thousands of children who are struggling to cope with the pressure to succeed in exams.
“For some this can feel so insurmountable that it causes crippling anxiety and stress and in some cases contributes to mental health issues or even suicidal thoughts and feelings.
“Exams are important but worrying and panicking about them can be counterproductive, leaving young people unable to revise and prepare.
“It is vital that young people are supported by family, friends and teachers during the exam period to help them do the best they can.
“Childline is also here 24/7 for any young person needing confidential support and advice.”