Number of contacts to Childline in Wales regarding exam results worries rises

• Childline delivered 43 counselling sessions to children from Wales in the past year due to exam results stress

• • 1,298 counselling session delivered to UK children and teenagers in 2017/18 – a 15 per cent rise on last year

• There are two Childline centres in Wales, based in Cardiff and Prestatyn

• Wednesday 15 August

CHILDLINE is urging young people in Wales worried about their GCSE and A-level grades to get in touch and not suffer in silence.

With children and young people across Wales set to receive their A-Level and GSCE marks on Thursday, figures from the NSPCC-supported counselling service show that 84 counselling sessions were carried out with children from Wales over the past two years – 43 in 2017-18 and 41 the previous year.

However the true figure in Wales is likely to be higher with many callers not disclosing their country of origin to counsellors.

In 2017/18 Childline delivered 1,298 counselling sessions to children and teenagers across the UK who were apprehensive about their exam results and what they do next – a rise of 15 per cent on the previous year.

Across the UK concern peaked in August with just under a quarter of all counselling sessions being delivered during the month when GCSE and A-Level results are published.

The new figures also showed that girls are much more willing to reach out for help, receiving 74 per cent of all counselling sessions delivered by Childline on this issue.

Young people told counsellors they were very worried about their results stopping them from going to university, with many expressing concerns about sharing them with their parents and teachers.

Others said they were struggling to cope and that the build-up of pressure as they waited for their grades was making them feel stressed and depressed.

Dame Esther Rantzen, the founder and president of Childline, said: “From personal experience I remember how terrified I was while I was waiting for my exam results and then how heartbroken I felt when they were not as good as they should have been.

“At that moment, I felt that my hopes and dreams were shattered and that it was the end of the world.

“As it turned out, I was wrong so I would like to remind young people that whatever happens with their exam results, there will be plenty of opportunities for them to go on and do very well in their lives.

“We all have different strengths and qualities and exams are only a small part of what makes you who you are.

“During the exam result period it is important that young people feel very supported by their family, friends and school.

“They should always remember however, that Childline is there for them if they don’t know who else they can talk to.

“Don’t hesitate to contact us, if it matters to you then it matters to us.”

One boy who contacted Childline said: “I’m feeling really depressed and stressed out at the moment. I’m worried about getting my A-level results. I don’t think I will get the marks I need to get into my chosen university, and there’s loads of pressure on me from my teachers to do well. I don’t have anyone to talk to about it because I don’t want to let anyone down.”

Des Mannion, head of NSPCC Cymru/Wales, said: “We know that lots of young people struggle with the pressure of exam results season.

“The desire to get good grades and secure university places can feel like a lot to bear.

“We are also aware that once teenagers have got their results they can feel overwhelmed by what comes next, especially if they don’t get the grades they were hoping for.

“It’s important they share how they are feeling and discuss their options with a friend, trusted adult or Childline.”