More stressed pupils calling Childline

‘Pressure to achieve good grades can be too much for some teenagers to deal with on their own’

PARENTS must not put too much pressure on their children ahead of exam results day, the NSPCC has warned, as figures show a surge in calls to their helpline from anxious students.

Childline, the children’s helpline, revealed on the day before teenagers receive their A-level results that 1,133 counselling sessions were provided to youngsters worried about their grades in 2016-17, a rise of 21 per cent.

And 28 per cent of those sessions took place in August 2016 alone.

The NSPCC, which runs Childline, has warned parents “not to place pressure on your children to gain certain grades”. The charity has also told them to be aware that “your child may find it hard to talk to you about their results, so be patient and supportive until they feel ready to open up on how they feel”.

Childline added that young people had expressed disappointment in themselves or worries that their grades might affect their choice of university or college.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: “Waiting for exam results can be an anxious time for young people and can leave some struggling to cope.

“Pressure to achieve good grades and worries about securing further education places and jobs can be too much for some teenagers to deal with on their own.” Dame Esther Rantzen, Childline’s founder and president, said: “Young people need to remember that getting good exam grades is not makeor-break and, whatever your results, there are options and opportunities to make a great future for yourself.

“The important thing during exam results season is to stick together as a family and be as supportive and encouraging to the person waiting to receive their grades and then planning their next steps.

“And if they are reluctant to open up about how they are feeling or what they want to do, then Childline is always ready to provide help and advice,” she added.