As the final exam season looms, parents and guardians might be concerned about their children’s mental health such as anxiety and despair.
Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane has urged communities to desist from any activity that could impede learners’ studies and access to examinations.
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination period is from October 21 to November 28. A total of 189 693 candidates have been registered to sit for the exams in the province of which 136 051 are full-time learners and 53 642 part-time, a 0.78% decrease from the 191 181 in 2023.
According to the Principal of Abbotts College in Pretoria east, Leandri Fick, parents play a vital role in mitigating exam-related stress.
“A balanced approach can make all the difference. Parents must create a supportive environment, maintain open communication, recognise warning signs of anxiety and depression, and focus on effort rather than results.”
Research by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reveals that one in five young people suffers from debilitating anxiety and suicide remains the second leading cause of death.
Fick said teens may feel overwhelmed by family expectations, social comparisons and the pursuit of academic achievement.
She added that exams are often a cause for increased stress.
“The results of these exams are frequently regarded as a watershed moment, deciding future educational and professional prospects,” she said.
Fick said parents are usually a teenager’s first line of defence against overwhelming stress.
To assist, she said, parents can start by creating a supportive environment for their children.
Fick said parents can build a loving, stress-free family atmosphere that can help teenagers cope with their emotions.
“Simple gestures such as providing a peaceful study environment, eating healthy meals, and maintaining a regular sleep pattern can help reduce stress,” said Fick.
She said they should encourage breaks and promote activities such as exercise, which have been shown to lower anxiety.
Fick said parents must also maintain open communication with their children.
“Let your teenager know that it is acceptable to discuss their worry, anxieties or disappointments.”
She added that validating their feelings rather than discounting their fears promotes emotional resilience.
Fick encouraged parents to be available for chats without constantly reminding them of their examinations, as this can exacerbate their nervousness.
“Ask open-ended questions, such as ‘How are you feeling about your exams?’ rather than focusing entirely on their study schedule or test preparation.”
Third on the list, she said parents should recognise warning signs of anxiety and depression.
“These can include withdrawal from family and friends, changes in diet or sleep patterns, impatience, and even physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches.”
She said if these symptoms appear, professional assistance from a school counsellor, psychologist or GP becomes critical.
SADAG provides helplines exclusively for young people who may be dealing with their mental health problems.
Fick urged families to help with time management but to not micromanage.
“Many teenagers fail to manage their time effectively during exams.”
She said helping them break down their study materials into digestible bits and organising study sessions can make the process less intimidating.
“Avoid micromanaging their time or enforcing extremely stringent routines, since this could exacerbate their feelings of overwhelm,” said Fick.
She said lastly, parents should shift the focus from results to effort.
Fick said they should celebrate their children’s effort, rather than the outcome.
“When the focus switches to the work they’re doing rather than their ultimate grades, it can help to alleviate the tension connected with exam results,” she said.
She said tests are essential but they do not define the child’s worth or potential.
“Teenagers’ long-term mental health should always take precedence over short-term academic achievements, ensuring that they leave exam season not only as accomplished students but also as emotionally robust young people.”
Mental health support resources are as follows:
– Your school counsellor/psychologist.
– SADAG https://www.sadag.org/
– Netcare Akeso https://www.netcare.co.za/netcare-akeso.
Gauteng has 1 051 examination centres and scripts will be marked in two stages across 18 centres from November 14 to 25.
The national results are expected on January 15, 2025, with the provincial release as well as a statement of results available at schools for collection the next day.
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