Parents urged to watch for warning signs as exam stress rises among young people across Northern Ireland

Parents across Northern Ireland are being urged to take early action as exam pressure begins to build, with a leading children’s charity warning that stress during revision season can have a “profound impact” on young people’s wellbeing.

With exam season fast approaching, Action for Children is highlighting growing concerns around the emotional and physical toll on children, while promoting its free online Parent Talk service to help families navigate the weeks ahead.

Rising pressure as exam season approaches

The charity says many children and teenagers experience overwhelming pressure to perform well academically, with expectations around grades often intensifying anxiety levels at home.

Through its Parent Talk platform, which supports families with children aged 0–19 — and up to 25 for those with disabled or neurodivergent young people — parents can access expert advice articles and speak directly with trained parenting coaches via live chat or WhatsApp.

The service is available online at parents.actionforchildren.org.uk.

Jo Thurston, a parenting coach with Parent Talk, said the emotional impact of exams is often underestimated by adults.

“Exam season can have a profound impact on a child’s wellbeing. The pressure to do well and get good grades often feels overwhelming for them and many parents struggle to know how to help their child cope with the pressure.

“It is essential that parents reassure them and do whatever they can to support their child during this time when they may be revising. Small steps can go a long way, and by making sure the young person gets enough sleep, eats well and has regular breaks from revision, they’re more likely to be able to tackle stress in healthier ways - skills they can take with them as they move into adulthood.”

Warning signs parents should not ignore

Parents are being encouraged to stay alert to both physical and emotional symptoms that may signal a child is struggling under exam pressure.

Common signs of stress can include:

• Upset stomach

• Headaches

• Disturbed sleep

• Loss of appetite

• Irritability

• Low mood

The charity warns that stress triggers are not always obvious and can stem from multiple sources, including comments from teachers, relatives or peers. External pressures such as news and social media can also play a role in heightening anxiety.

Jo Thurston added that open communication is critical at this stage.

“It’s important to speak to your child to find out how they’re feeling, sharing concerns about revision or the upcoming exams and working together to find ways to make it better.”

Practical steps for families during revision period

Parent Talk has issued a series of practical steps aimed at helping families reduce stress levels and support children more effectively during exam preparation.

• Managing workload and reducing overwhelm

Parents are advised to help children structure their revision time and ensure regular breaks are built into their routine. Time away from study is seen as essential for improving focus, learning retention and overall mental wellbeing.

Families are also encouraged to engage directly with schools if concerns arise, discussing possible ways to reduce pressure and manage workloads more effectively.

• Encouraging healthy daily habits

Sleep, nutrition and physical activity are highlighted as key factors in a child’s ability to cope with stress.

Parents are advised to review bedtime routines if sleep is disrupted, ensure regular meals and hydration, and encourage time outdoors or light physical activity to support mental health.

• Maintaining a positive environment at home

A supportive and reassuring home environment can play a crucial role in easing exam anxiety.

Parents are encouraged to focus on effort rather than outcomes, reminding children of their strengths and reinforcing that they can seek support without judgement.

• Accessing additional support when needed

The charity acknowledges that some young people may be reluctant to speak openly with parents — something it stresses is common and not a reflection of parenting.

In these cases, families are encouraged to help children identify a trusted adult or friend they feel comfortable talking to.

Additional support is also available through Parent Talk’s Sidekick service — an anonymous and confidential text-based support platform for young people aged 13–18.

Young people can access the service by searching “Parent Talk Sidekick” and sending a message. A response is provided within 24 hours.

The initiative is designed to offer a safe space for teenagers to discuss concerns they may not feel able to share elsewhere.

As exam season intensifies in the coming weeks, the charity is urging families across Northern Ireland to prioritise early conversations, recognise warning signs and seek support where needed to help young people navigate one of the most pressured periods of the school year.

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At a glance

• Parents warned exam stress can significantly impact children’s wellbeing

• Action for Children promoting free Parent Talk support service

• Available for ages 0–19, and up to 25 for disabled or neurodivergent young people

• Support includes online advice, live chat and WhatsApp coaching

• Common stress signs include headaches, sleep issues, irritability and low mood

• Charity highlights influence of school pressure, peers and social media

• Parents urged to encourage sleep, breaks, healthy habits and open conversations

• Sidekick text service offers anonymous support for ages 13–18

• Responses to Sidekick messages provided within 24 hours