Help for kids worrying about exams

A HELPLINE service for children and young people has put some top tips together for pupils in Warrington who may be anxiously waiting for their exam results.
The NSPCC’s ChildLine service has issued the advice in advance of GCSE and A-level results days when teenagers will be receiving their grades.
Christine Mellor, assistant director for ChildLine for Warrington said: “It might still be the school holidays for many young people but those who sat exams earlier in the year will be waiting nervously to get their results in the next two weeks either by text, email or post.
“We want to let them know that ChildLine is there for them and can help beat exam result stress. There can be so much pressure on young people to do well in their exams but their whole future is not determined by them. We want to tell them that they are not alone – there is always someone who can listen to them.”
The ChildLine service receives calls from young people who are feeling under pressure, panicky and overwhelmed about their exam results. A significant number of children often tell ChildLine counsellors that it is the first time they’ve been able to speak out about their worries.
Parents, family and trusted adults can help children who may be worrying on their own by making space and time to ask children how they are feeling about their exams and talking to them about their worries.
ChildLine has issued the following top tips to help beat exam result stress:
* Tell someone how you are feeling – a parent, carer, friend or teacher. Or if you want to speak to someone anonymously you can contact ChildLine in confidence.
* Look at the options that are available to you such as re-sitting, going to another university or college or changing to a similar course.
* If you are able to re-sit think about what you would do differently – you may need more help with revision or there might be one area that you need to concentrate more on.
* Don’t think that your whole future will be determined by your exam results – it’s not. There are lots of things out there for you to do and gain experience in. Speak to your guidance councillor or even a career advisor about the options available to you.
Children and young people in Warrington can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk where they can have a 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor, send an email to ChildLine, post messages on the message boards and get lots of advice and information on any issue.