A children’s charity is urging teenagers in Gedling borough not to ‘suffer in silence’ if they are worried about their GCSE exam results – which are revealed this Thursday.
Volunteers at Childline’s Nottingham base carried out 139 counselling sessions about exam results stress with young people last year.
Young people told counsellors they were very worried about their results stopping them from going to university, with many expressing concerns about sharing them with their parents and teachers.
Others said they were struggling to cope and that the build up of pressure as they waited for their grades was making them feel stressed and depressed.
One boy who contacted Childline said: “I’m feeling really depressed and stressed out at the moment. I’m worried about getting my A-level results. I don’t think I will get the marks I need to get into my chosen university, and there’s loads of pressure on me from my teachers to do well. I don’t have anyone to talk to about it because I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Childline Nottingham service manager Sabrina Taylor said: “We know that lots of young people struggle with the pressure of exam results season. The desire to get good grades and secure university places can feel like a lot to bear.
“We are also aware that once teenagers have got their results they can feel overwhelmed by what comes next, especially if they don’t get the grades they were hoping for.
“It’s important they share how they are feeling and discuss their options with a friend, trusted adult or Childline.”
Dame Esther Rantzen, Founder and President of Childline said: “During the exam result period it is important that young people feel very supported by their family, friends and school.
“They should always remember however, that Childline is there for them if they don’t know who else they can talk to. Don’t hesitate to contact us, if it matters to you then it matters to us.”
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.
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
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