Teenage Anxiety and Exam Results

The teenage years are filled with rapid change, self-discovery and personal growth. Along the journey, one of the most anxiety-induced experiences for many teenagers is the anticipation of exam results. As caregivers and educators, it's important to recognise the impact of exam-related anxiety on the mental well-being of teenagers. For teenagers who are looked-after, there are the added challenges they face.

Within this blog post, we briefly touch on the reasons behind the anxiety and explore some strategies to create a nurturing environment that fosters confidence and resilience.

Understanding the Added Layer of Anxiety:

Children who are looked-after experience higher levels of uncertainty in comparison to their peers. The number of children in residential care has increased by 27% since 2015, causing them to face instability, transitions, and disruptions in their lives*, which can narrow their window of tolerance around the feelings of anxiety related to exam results**. The lack of a consistent support system and the struggle to maintain a sense of belonging can increase their worries about their future.

Outcomes for children who are looked-after can still be positive and with the right support, they have an opportunity to build resilience and access education. Schofield et al., (2012) suggest that a child within a residential setting can be seen as a protective factor and it can be a way of offering sensitive parenting within a stable and safe environment***.

Tips to support Teenagers with exam result stress

1. Try wondering statements: I wonder if you feel alone? Find a place and time where your teen can express their emotions. Sometimes talking about their anxieties out loud can help to ease the burden.

2. Welcome emotion. Exams don’t always go to plan, and your teen may not get the grades they hoped for. Allow for them to express their emotions whether that be disappointment or joy. Make sure you plan something special to celebrate on the day. They deserve to do something nice.

3. Summer self-care. Try not to let the waiting for exam results take over your teen’s summer. Plan activities to keep them busy and distract them for the result-day stress.

4. Never underestimate the power of listening. Give the option to have someone with them on the day to offer reassurance, talk through their options (even if the results are not what they wanted), and hopefully celebrate their success.

5. Give space. Ensure that your teen does not feel like they have to open their results with friends or share what they got. Provide them with the options of collecting the results and opening at home to avoid this situation. Some schools and colleges will also publish results online or offer a text results service.

6. Social media isn’t reality. Discuss with your teen that there is no competition or pressure to compare their results with others. Often peers share their results on social media and this can lead to comparing results. It may be helpful to avoid social media completely for a few days.

Addressing exam result anxiety in children who are looked-after requires a compassionate and holistic approach that acknowledges their experiences and empowers them to overcome challenges. By providing person-centered support, trying to build resilience, and creating a nurturing environment, we can help these remarkable young people believe in their own potential, thrive academically, and build a brighter future.

Together, let’s stand beside all children as they embark on their journey towards academic success and emotional well-being.

Authored by: Lauren Coates

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* Burbidge, I. (2021). Number of children in care could reach almost 100,000 by 2025 – as county leaders call for an ‘unrelenting’ focus on keeping families together. [online] County Councils Network. Available at: https://www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk/number-of-children-in-care-could-reach-almost-100000-by-2025-as-county-leaders-call-for-an-unrelenting-focus-on-keeping-families-together/#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20children%20in%20residential%20care%20has%20increased%20by [Accessed 16 Aug. 2023].

** Lyons, S., Whyte, K., Stephens, R. and Townsend, H. (2020). Developmental Trauma Close Up. [online] p.5. Available at: https://beaconhouse.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Developmental-Trauma-Close-Up-Revised-Jan-2020.pdf.

** Schofield, G., Beek, M., & Ward, E. (2012). Part of the family: Planning for permanence in long-term family foster care. Children and Youth Services Review, 34(1), 244-253.