AS YOUNG people across Dorset begin sitting exams ChildLine has revealed that, for the first time ever, school and education problems are a top concern among those contacting the helpline.

During that same period, across the UK, ChildLine saw a 200 per cent increase in counselling about exam stress specifically.

There were also more than 87,500 visits to ChildLine’s webpage about the issue.

Not wanting to disappoint their parents, fear of failure and the general pressures linked to academic achievement were all major themes.

Sharon Copsey, NSPCC head of service for the South West, said: "The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people.

"As these figures reveal, the pressure to do well is being felt by an increasing number of young people across the country.

"We hear from lots of young people each year who are anxious, worried or panicking about their exams and revision.

"We want to let them know that they are not alone and that ChildLine is here to listen to them.”

Stresses about exams affected young people’s ability to sleep, triggered anxiety attacks, depression and tearfulness, and eating disorders.

In some cases it also led to self-harm and suicidal feelings, or made them worse.

The ChildLine website has a special ‘beat exam stress’ section for children and young people to visit.

As well as calling ChildLine’s free confidential helpline on 0800 11 11 or visiting childline.org.uk, young people can also send emails to trained counsellors or receive support online via one-to-one chat.