THE number of Scottish pupils calling Childline for help with exam stress has doubled in the space of a year, the NSPCC says.
Almost 110 girls called the free advice line in 2016-17, up from 53 last year, with the number of boys rising from five to 20 over this period.
A total of 150 callers were helped, with some not specifying their gender.
A counsellor from the helpline’s Glasgow base said exam stress was affecting the relationships between callers and their families, with revision “overwhelming” some.
The exam diet started earlier this month, with the last paper set to be held in early June and results due in August.
Most helpline sessions involved youngsters aged 16-18, with many telling counsellors they were struggling with subjects, had excessive workloads and felt unprepared for their final tests.
One teenage boy said: “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. My life could turn out so differently depending on what I get.”
Joanna Barrett, acting national head of NSPCC Scotland, said: “Every year we hear from thousands of children who are struggling to cope with the pressure to succeed in exams. 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.”
She went on: “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.”
Childline founder Esther Rantzen said: “We need to recognise how stressful exams can be.”
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