HUNDREDS of children are being counselled by Childline in the West Midlands due to overwhelming exam stress.
Counsellors in the West Midlands carried out nearly 900 sessions with children about exam stress over the last two years
Nationally over 3,000 counselling sessions with children in 2016/17 with more than fifth of these taking place in May 2016
Scores of young people are turning to Childline for help as they struggle to cope with the pressure of exam stress.
New figures from the NSPCC-service reveal its West Midlands base in Birmingham delivered 850 counselling sessions on exam stress over the last two years – with the majority of contacts, 496, coming from girls from across the UK.
Nationally, across its 12 bases, Childline carried out 3,135 counselling sessions in 2016/17 – a rise of 11 per cent over the past two years.
More than a fifth of these took place in May as pupils faced upcoming exams with many telling counsellors they were struggling with subjects, excessive workloads and feeling unprepared.
Children aged 12-15 were most likely to be counselled about exam stress but this year saw the biggest rise – up 21 per cent on 2015/16 – amongst 16-18 year olds, many of whom will have been preparing for A-levels to determine university places.
Young people are consistently telling counsellors exam stress can contribute to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, excessive crying, low self-esteem, self-harming 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,” he added.
NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless, 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,” he added.
A series of videos dedicated to helping young people through exams are available on Childline’s YouTube channel.
Children and young people can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk
The NSPCC has the following advice for young people taking exams:
* Make sure you take regular breaks from revising and do some exercise
* Go to bed at a reasonable time and try and get some sleep
* Try to think positively – even if you don’t feel like it, a positive attitude will help you during your revision
* Remember that everyone’s different – try not to compare yourself to your friends.
Advice for parents and carers to help ease exam stress:
* Don’t place unnecessary pressure on your children to gain certain grades.
* Encourage children to take regular breaks, eat snacks and exercise.
* Help them revise by leaving them the space and time to do so.
* Be supportive and help alleviate their worries by talking to them.
Advice for teachers:
* Facilitate classroom discussions to get students talking about exam stress
* Encourage students to take regular breaks from studying for exams
* Encourage students to talk to you or other teachers about exam stress
