Advice and help available for young people suffering pre-exam stress

Stress is hitting millions of families as young people across the country are worrying about their forthcoming exams.

Last year, ChildLine took 5897 phone calls from children and young people, worrying about the pressure the exams were placing on them.

Head of ChildLine Sue Minto  says: “The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people. We hear from lots of young people each year who are anxious, worried or panicking about their exams and revision. We want to let them know that they are not alone and that ChildLine is here to listen to them.”

To help cope with the pressure, ChildLine recommends following some basic advice they have put together to help overcome pre-exam nerves.

And, their phonelines are always open for those who need to talk.

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

Getting a good night’s sleep will help you much more than trying to revise all night – you will just end up very tired the next day

Try to think positively – even if you don’t feel like it, a positive attitude will help you during your revision

Take some water into the test with you, if you can. Keeping hydrated by drinking water will help you concentrate.

ChildLine is also advising parents not to put their children under any unnecessary pressure to reach certain grades. They are also encouraging parents to relax on chores and to make sure children take regular breaks and exercise.

The ChildLine website also has a ‘Beat exam stress’ section for children and young people to visit.

ChildLine’s free confidential helpline is: 0800 11 11 or visit: www.childline.org.uk