School and education concerns are among the top issues faced by teenagers, according to new figures released by ChildLine…
The charity said it is seeing an increasing number of young people contacting them about stresses at school.
The helpline, which provides children with the opportunity to talk to a counsellor, said almost 35,000 calls were received last year.
Topics mentioned included exams, not coping with school work, disliking school, truancy, problems with a teacher and worries about a new school.
Where school and education were the main concern, 58 per cent of counselling sessions were specifically about exam stress, up 200 per cent on 2012/13.
The charity also revealed there were more than 87,500 visits to ChildLine’s website about education issues.
NSPCC chief Peter Wanless said: “The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people.
As these figures reveal, the pressure to do well is being felt by an increasing number of young people across the country.
We hear from lots of young people each year who are anxious, worried or panicking about their exams and revision.”
The findings come just weeks before pupils across the country begin taking exams, including GCSEs and A-levels.
It is important to keep hydrated and remind young people to think positively to help them get the most out of their preparations.
Mr Wanless added: “We want to let them know that they are not alone and that ChildLine is here to listen to them.”
When it comes to studying for exams, ChildLine suggests youngsters take regular breaks, do some exercise and go to bed at a reasonable time.
The pressure mounts as exam period nears.
Earlier this week, a survey of more than 1,000 children, revealed some as young as 10 are smoking cigarettes and drinking energy drinks for breakfast, on the morning of their tests.
For more information on exam stress and how to deal with it visit: www.childline.org.uk
