News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Exams-main_article_image.jpg
PA
UK News

Rise in calls to Childline from exam stress

Struggling pupils told counsellors that they experienced panic attacks, excessive crying and even suicidal thoughts.

This report comes in the week that 11-year-olds across England take their Sats tests and as teenagers start preparations for their upcoming GCSEs and A-levels.

The numbers of exam-related sessions has risen 11 per cent  over the last two years, the NSPCC-run service said.

Children aged 12 to 15 are the most likely to seek help over exam stress, but this year the biggest rise was among 16-18-year-olds, many of whom will have been studying for A-levels.

Dame Esther Rantzen, Childline's founder and president said: "I am very distressed that so many young people are turning to Childline because they have nobody else to confide in safely when they are desperately anxious."

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless, said: "Exams are important but worrying and panicking about them can be counter-productive, leaving young people unable to revise and prepare.

"It is vital that young people are supported by family, friends and teachers during the exam period to help them do the best they can."

Rachel Newham, a youth worker trainer from the Christian mental health charity Think Twice, told Premier that there were practical things that the church should do to help students in their congregations including praying for them.  She said, "The whole church can be praying when exams are going on".

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate