Australian students are facing school exam stress more than ever, ReachOut survey finds

AS students are about to take their final exams across Australia, experts reveal how they are at breaking point and how parents can help.

EXCLUSIVE

SCHOOLKIDS are more stressed out than ever over exams and are not reaching out for help with a new national survey finding eighty per cent of teens battling exam stress are bottling it up and not telling anyone.

One-in-two school students in Years 7-12 (aged 14-18) are showing worrying levels of stress over exams, with the number one source of pressure coming from themselves.

Pressure to perform from parents and even teachers also rates high for many.

One third say they are stressed about not being able to get a job once they leave school and 40 per cent are worried about getting into the right university degree.

Online youth mental health service ReachOut conducted the online survey in April of 500 students nationally.

The research is particularly interesting as it shows students right through high school, not just Year 12, are feeling exam stress.

Kids are feeling more stressed about exams and not reaching out for help. Picture: istock

With more than 200,000 students around the nation starting exams tomorrow ReachOut will today launch a new toolkit designed specifically for parents to help them navigate their children’s stress over exam periods.

ReachOut CEO Jono Nicholas it was important for families to “break the cone of silence” and realise help is just a click away.

“Our kids feel more stressed than ever,” Mr Nicholas said.

“The key for parents is to not take this silent stress personally or see it as a sign of failure.”

Jo Briskey, Executive Director of The Parenthood, welcomed the extra resources for parents.

“Parents need help too. It’s difficult to navigate adolescents at the best of times and particularly in times of stress for them it can be quite challenging,” Ms Briskey said.

“It’s really concerning to hear so many kids are struggling an not seeking help.”

Louise Davis, clinical practice manager at Kids Helpline, said stress among teens was increasing and that was reflected in the contacts to the service.

Parents can get a range of tips to help their kids through exam stress. Picture: istock

“There does seem to be an increase in young people concerned about their schooling and exams but also about their future in general,” Ms Davis said.

“We do notice that around exam times or leading up to exam times we have more contacts and I think it is really helpful for parents and teachers to look out for warning signs among kids in their care such as any change in behaviour, eating or sleeping patterns.”

Education Minister Simon Birmingham sympathised with students, parents and teachers entering exam period.

He encouraged kids to not bottle up their feelings and to seek out resources like the federal government’s Student Wellbeing Hub to help.

“Young people should unload their stresses by seeking help and talking to others rather than bottling it up, as well as looking out for each other,” Senator Birmingham said.

For more information or tips on how to help your kids through exam time visit ReachOut.com

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Exam stress can be managed. Picture: iStock / Getty Images

TOP TIPS TO HELP PARENTS DEAL WITH STUDENT EXAM STRESS

1. Look out for the signs that your teenager might be stressed. If they’re having problems sleeping, are being increasingly irritated or have trouble concentrating, finding it hard to connect with others, or feeling depressed, panicky or anxious they could be overly stressed and it might be time to do something.

2. Find an opportunity to talk about symptoms of stress with your teenager. Understanding what makes them stressed can help them build the skills to cope better and reduce stress in the future.

3. Help them find time to do things that they find relaxing. Encourage them to be active, eat well and sleep well. Go for walks or be active as a whole family and make healthy meals (limiting caffeine and sugar).

4. Reflect on your own expectations: are you on the same page as your child? Teens can feel stressed and worthless when they’ve tried but failed to meet expectations. Encouraging your child to be honest about how they feel, and accepting and acknowledging their effort can be really helpful to you both.

5. Look after yourself. By taking care of your own wellbeing you will be in a better place to support your teenager through this stressful time. Talk to other parents about how they’re managing the stressful exam period, and share tips for supporting your child at on online forums.

The impact on students’ health can be far greater than imagined. Picture: istock

KEY SURVEY FINDINGS

Exam stress levels

Not at all stressed: 13.2 per cent

A little stressed: 30.8 per cent

Moderately stressed: 27.6 per cent

Very stressed: 14.6 per cent

Extremely stressed: 4 per cent

Sought help

Yes: 21.5 per cent

No 78.5 per cent

Sources of stress

Pressure from myself: 64.9 per cent

Worried over not getting into degree I want: 40.5 per cent

Worried about the future generally: 37.1 per cent

Pressure from family/parents/carers: 35.6 per cent

Pressure from school teachers: 29.6 per cent

Worried about getting a job: 29.6 per cent

Competition with other students: 16.1 per cent

Other: 1 per cent