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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Lisa Spiller and Sarah Marsh

Exam stress: how has it affected you?

ChildLine has warned that children are increasingly suffering from exam stress
ChildLine has warned that children are increasingly suffering from exam stress. Photograph: David Davies/PA

“I’m so panicky over exams. I’m under so much pressure from everyone to do well. When I feel too overwhelmed I start to self-harm.”

This is one story of teenage exam stress unearthed by the NSPCC. The child protection campaigners shared this as part of a report which shows that the number of young people in Britain seeking counselling over exam stress has increased significantly in 2013-14 compared to the previous year. Where education and school was reported as a young person’s main concern, more than half of ensuing counselling sessions dealt with exam stress specifically, a 200% increase.

In 2013-14 ChildLine reported more than 34,000 approaches from young people over school worries such as revision, workloads or problems with teachers and other issues.

But it’s not only young people who suffer. Teachers are also under extreme pressure to ensure students achieve the best possible grades so that targets are met and standards are raised. So, whether you’re standing at the front of the class teaching or sitting in the classroom revising, how does this pressure affect your mental health?

You can share your exam thoughts and fears by clicking on the blue “Contribute” buttons or if you’re out and about you can download the GuardianWitness app or look for our assignments in the Guardian app and search for ‘GuardianWitness assignments’. If you would prefer to remain anonymous please do not use your real name as your username.

Alternatively, you can email teacher.network@theguardian.com and include whether you are a student or a teacher along with your location. We’ll feature a roundup of stories on the site.

  • GuardianWitness is the home of readers’ content on the Guardian. Contribute your video, pictures and stories, and browse news, reviews and creations submitted by others. Posts will be reviewed prior to publication on GuardianWitness.

Follow us on Twitter via @GuardianTeach. Join the Guardian Teacher Network for lesson resources, comment and job opportunities, direct to your inbox.

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