THE charity Childline is offering support to young people worried about exam results as teenagers wait anxiously for AS and A-Level grades.
The service, provided by the NSPCC, delivered 1,133 counselling sessions to young people concerned about exam results in 2016/17 – a rise of 21 per cent over the last two years.
Of these, more than a quarter took place in August 2016 when GCSE and AS/A-Level results are released.
Figures released this week also show a sharp rise in the number of Childline counselling sessions delivered to 16 to 18 year-olds related to exam results worries in 2016/17 – up 68 per cent over the last two years.
Many young people told counsellors they were disappointed with themselves and worried their grades might affect them getting into the university or college of their choice, while others were concerned about their parent’s reaction to their results.
Anxiety and low mood were also mentioned when discussing exam results, with some saying they were struggling to cope with the pressure to do well and achieve top grades.
Dame Esther Rantzen, Founder and President of Childline said: “Young people need to remember that getting good exam grades is not a make or break moment and, whatever your results, there are options and opportunities to make a great future for yourself.
“This is proved by all the successful people who have made their way in life despite being nowhere near the top of their class.”
Childline has the following advice for young people:
· Don’t panic if you don’t get the results you were hoping for.
· You may have to make some tough decisions but remember you always have options and you can get help.
· Everyone is different so try not to compare your results to your friends or classmates.
· If you’re disappointed with your results it can help to talk to a teacher or someone you trust about how you’re feeling.
Advice from the NSPCC for parents and carers include:
· Try not to place pressure on your children to gain certain grades
· 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 about how they feel.
· Encourage your child to take their time to think about what they want to do next. There’s no need to rush into a decision straightaway.
· Help them think about their choices by writing down a list of pros and cons for each of their options.
A series of videos dedicated to helping young people through exams and life after school 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
