Childline launches new exam stress videos

Young people in the East Midlands will be amongst the millions of under 18s sitting exams this summer and a new survey by ChildLine* reveals 92 percent feel anxious about their revision and exams.

Findings reveal almost two thirds (64 percent) say they’ve never had any support in dealing with exams and over half of young people (53 percent) say pressure from parents to do well is a major cause of anxiety.

Last year (2010/11) the ChildLine base in Nottingham, which takes calls from across the East Midlands, counselled 173 children about exam stress.

Anxiety can make people feel tired, upset, worried, shaky, light-headed or frustrated, and can sometimes present itself as a panic attack or nausea. It’s very common for young people to feel anxious about exams and to help ChildLine has made a new short film about combating anxiety, which can be viewed on a new ‘Beat Exam Stress’ hub on their website.

Results from the ChildLine poll also found:

• Other main causes of anxiety for young people are not getting into university or college (57 percent) and fears about sitting the exam (56 percent)
• Almost half (45 percent) say they have skipped meals
• Two thirds (64 percent) of those surveyed said they have had trouble sleeping
• Talking to friends (43 percent) is the most common way of dealing with exam anxiety
• 14 percent say they drink alcohol to cope with exam anxiety.

Alex, ChildLine’s message board host, said: “The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time so it’s important to ensure you take regular breaks from revision and have a chance to unwind and relax. If you’re finding it difficult, log on to the ChildLine website to speak to other young people in the same situation and get advice and tips from our self help sections.”

If you are sitting exams this summer the following advice can help you cope with anxiety:

• It can sometimes feel like the whole of your future depends on what grades you get. First of all, try not to panic. You have a while until exam results come out. Even if you don’t get the results you need or expect, you still have options and can get help with any decisions you have to make
• There is nothing wrong with being worried about the actual exam, it’s very normal. The more prepared you are, the more confident you feel in being able to cope. Read more advice on revision tips and how to keep calm before an exam here
• Check out the new ChildLine video, designed to help young people cope with anxiety, or look for tips and advice on the ChildLine website.