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NSPCC numbers to call after it gives 700 counselling sessions over exam results

A Level and GCSE results are being released this month

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Results are out today(Image: David Davies)

A Level and GCSE students across the UK have been enduring a nail-biting wait to discover their final exam grades. While many will soon be celebrating, some will be met with disappointment - and for others, the anticipation is too much to bear.

Just last year alone, the NSPCCs Childline service delivered more than 700 counselling sessions to young people whose main concern was linked to exam result worries.

Childline staff and volunteers have heard from young people who have been worried about the impact exam results could have on their mental health; some feel under pressure from their families and teachers to achieve high grades and some said they were unable to focus on anything else because they are waiting for exam results.

One girl, aged 18, said: I finally finished my exams, but Im so worried about the grades Im going to get. I really want to go to university, but I dont think Ive done well enough. I get so stressed thinking about the future, I just dont want to get stuck in a dead-end job with no options.

Another girl, aged 16, said: My exam results are so much worse than my friends. We all go to the same school, take the same classes. I studied hard, harder than some of them did. I cant help but feel jealous and it has really hit my self-esteem and self-worth.

Results day, the period running up to it and the days after can be tricky for children and young people as they deal with the anxiety and uncertainty of what their results could be, the NSPCC said.

It added: "Therefore, its vital that young people who are experiencing anxiety to know that they are not on their own. Parents and carers must not be dismissive of their childrens concerns about their exam results.

"Some children who contact Childline about exam results say that a lot of the pressure they experience comes from their family. So, when talking to them about this make sure you reassure them and remind them that they do not need to be defined by their exam results and that there are many options available to them.

"Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and share any worries that they might have. And its important to remind them that you are there to help them, no matter what their results may be.

"Talking through the different pathways which might be open to them if they dont get the results they were hoping for can also help your child to feel more in control of the situation. It is also important to celebrate any successes and acknowledge the hard work and effort that they have put into their education."

Young people are advised by the NSPCC not to compare themselves with others, focus on their own achievements rather than comparing their results to friends or those on social media. Its also important for them to look after their wellbeing make a list of the things they enjoy doing and take some time to do them. Focus on eating well, sleeping well and taking time to relax.

More advice and information on how to support children during exam results time can be found on the NSPCC website www.nspcc.org.uk

If a child or young person has any worries or concerns they can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or go to www.childline.org.uk

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