CHILDREN'S fears that they won't achieve what they see as vital grades can leave them feeling anxious, unable to sleep, eat or function normally, according to ChildLine.
Such is their concern, they've launched an awareness campaign to let children and young people know that they can talk to the organisation if they are suffering from exam stress.
According to the charity, 2011/12 saw a 47 per cent increase in concerns about school and education and some 25 per cent of counselling relating to school and education was about exam pressures.
Other bodies are also trying to help alleviate the situation. Counsellors at the University of Edinburgh are drafting in therapy pets to help stressed students cope with their exams. It is the first time the charity Canine Concern Scotland Trust has worked with a university.
Typical symptoms children may present if suffering from exam stress include sleep problems, bed-wetting, reluctance to go to school and not eating.
Some become withdrawn and spend more time on their own in their bedroom.
Clinical psychologist Dr Rachel Andrew says anxiety is not always to do with the stereotypical "pushy parents."
She adds: "Don't underestimate the importance of reassuring your child that if they try hard and do their best, that's good enough for you whatever the outcome. Empathise that exam season is a hard time and don't be dismissive about how difficult it is.
"Ask if they've any areas you can help them with and make sure they do things away from studying, such as trips out."
There are also a number of relaxation CDs and downloads for children which can help with anxiety available from websites including www.relaxkids.com, which feature breathing exercises, relaxation and visualisation techniques, where younger children might visualise themselves as superheroes.
Dr Andrew suggests that when dealing with older children, parents should talk to them about the physical symptoms of anxiety, based around adrenaline, visualising that adrenaline rush as excitement and a positive thing rather than anxiety.
"It's your body's way of preparing yourself to do the very best you can do," she says.
Encourage kids to let off steam by doing exercise, say going for a bike ride or a swim, in between studying, she advises, and keep the routine of mealtimes and bedtimes as steady as possible.
There are also websites offering help including Young Minds (www.youngminds.org.uk), which has a parent helpline on 0808 802 5544, and the NSPCC (www.nspcc.org.uk).
There are more tips for young people at www.childline.org.uk.
