BPS offers advice for children and parents with exam anxiety

Educational psychologists from the British Psychological Society (BPS) have offered some advice and guidance for children and young people on how best to stay calm and manage exam stress and anxiety, and also how parents and carers can best support with navigating the exam season.

Dr Victoria Lewis, chair of the BPS’ Division of Educational and Child Psychology, said: “As examinations begin, it is typical to feel stressed and anxious - this is normal and particularly given the last two years, additional strategies may be needed. Parents and carers can support children by helping them to make a revision timetable and consider how to plan their time, stressing the importance of taking care of themselves with breaks, good food, downtime and exercise.

"Parents should also look out for early signs of stress or changes in their children’s behaviour and to be flexible in terms of the support they might need. Of course if there is particular concern, reach out to the teachers/support staff in school or if necessary, the educational psychologist or GP. It’s important that parents of younger children can help provide space for children to share how they are feeling, show their support and reassurance, and avoid using fear-based motivation to encourage children to revise or study.

“For those sitting exams, looking after yourself means you need to plan to get adequate rest and time to spend on yourself while still looking to maintain a helpful routine.  It will be helpful to build in breaks around long revision periods and possibly take part in relaxation exercises as well as physical exercise to help ground yourself and take time out.

“Positive self-talk will be important, if negative thoughts arise to challenge you try to redirect these with more positive thinking which emphasises a growth mindset, such as 'I will do my best' or, 'anxiety is normal, I can handle this'.”