NEW figures from children’s charity Childline reveal today that thousands of youngsters are seeking help as they struggle to cope with the pressure of exam stress.

The Northern Echo: DISTRESSED: Esther Rantzen. Picture: JOHN STILLWELL/PA WIRE

DISTRESSED: Esther Rantzen. Picture: JOHN STILLWELL/PA WIRE

The statistics from the NSPCC-run service reveal that it delivered 3,135 counselling sessions throughout in 2016 and 2017 – a rise of 11 per cent over the past two years.

More than a fifth of all the sessions from across the UK took place in May as pupils faced upcoming exams with many telling counsellors they were struggling with subjects, excessive workloads and feeling unprepared.

Experts said there were 140 calls from pupils in the North Yorkshire and Humber region, and “hundreds” from the North-East.

The study showed that those aged between 12 and 15 were most likely to be counselled about exam stress, but this year there was the biggest rise – up 21 per cent on 2015/16 – amongst 16 to 18-year-olds, many of whom will have been preparing for A-levels.

Pupils are telling counsellors that exam stress can contribute to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, excessive crying, low self-esteem, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, or even make pre-existing mental health conditions worse.

One teenage boy who contacted Childline said: “I’m really feeling the pressure of A-levels, I’ve been having panic attacks and difficulty breathing. I’m so afraid of not getting the right grades and I’m stressed about the future.”

Another teenage boy said: “I am about to take my GCSEs and I am under so much pressure as my parents are expecting me to do really well. I am going to revision classes and trying really hard but I feel like it is not good enough for them.

“My parents don’t allow me to do anything else apart from revision and if I try and talk to them it always ends up in an argument.”

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “Every year we hear from thousands of children who are struggling to cope with the pressure to succeed in exams.

“For some, this can feel so insurmountable that it causes crippling anxiety and stress and in some cases contributes to mental health issues or even suicidal thoughts and feelings.

“Exams are important but worrying and panicking about them can be counterproductive, 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. Childline is also here 24/7 for any young person needing confidential support and advice.”

Dame Esther Rantzen, the founder and president of Childline 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.

“We need to recognise how stressful exams can be, and reassure our young people and support them through these tough times which I remember only too well in my life, and my children’s lives.”