More parents feel exam stress than their children

New research from Aviva highlights how parents and young people are feeling across the UK as exam season is in full swing.

The research shows that more parents are feeling the strain, with 79%^[2] saying they are feeling stressed or anxious.  This compares with 47%^[2] of the young people sitting the exams feeling the same.

Nearly two in five (38%) parents surveyed are feeling positive about the exam period – with over a third (34%) saying that they feel fine and will support their child whatever happens. The same number are confident that their children will do well. Over two in five (42%) parents feel proud of how their child is handling the situation. 

While many parents express pride and confidence in their children’s ability to manage exams, a significant number (66%)^[3] are concerned about the impact of exam stress on their child’s wellbeing.

Parents report seeing changes in their children’s behaviours, including increased stress and anxiety (21%), mood swings (17%), irritability (15%), and trouble sleeping (14%). Only 10% of parents say they haven’t noticed any changes.

These changes in behaviour are also affecting parents themselves. Nearly half (44%) say that their own mental and physical health has been impacted, with symptoms including stress (42%), anxiety (37%), fatigue (23%), and sleep difficulties (26%). One in five (22%) say the exam period is creating additional tension at home, and a quarter (25%) feel helpless and unsure how to support their child.

Despite these challenges, nearly all parents (96%)^[5] are taking proactive steps to support their children. These include helping create revision timetables (30%), minimising household stress (33%) and distractions (30%), using online resources and revision tools (25%), encouraging good sleep (51%), regular breaks (41%), healthy eating (37%) and physical activity or hobbies (25%).

These efforts are making a difference. Over nine in ten (92%) young people say they feel supported by their parents^[1].

When asked what support they find most helpful, young people cited having a quiet space to revise (31%), support from teachers or tutors (25%), emotional encouragement (22%) and knowing their friends are going through the same thing (22%). 

Rewards and incentives also play a role, with 71% saying they feel motivated by them.

Dr. Doug Wright, medical director at Aviva UK Health commented on the findings: "Exams can be a stressful time for everyone involved—not just for the young people sitting them, but also for the families supporting them. Our research shows that while many parents feel proud and optimistic, a significant number are also experiencing anxiety, stress, and even a sense of helplessness. These emotional responses are completely valid and reflect just how deeply parents care about their children’s wellbeing and success.

“It’s crucial that families look after both their mental and physical health during this period. Taking proactive steps like encouraging open communication, promoting a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and creating a calm and supportive study environment can make a significant difference.

“Ultimately, exams are just one part of a young person’s journey. By focusing on wellbeing and resilience, families can help ensure that children not only perform to the best of their abilities but also emerge from the experience feeling stronger and more confident."

Top tips for helping children through the exam period:

The following tips have been developed using content from the NHS’ Help your child beat exam stress article. 

1. Watch for signs of stress: Look out for symptoms like headaches, stomach pains, irritability, and changes in eating or sleeping habits.
2. Encourage open communication: Make sure your child feels comfortable talking about their worries with you, a teacher, or a supportive friend.
3. Promote a balanced diet: Avoid high-fat, high-sugar, and high-caffeine foods. Encourage healthy snacks to maintain energy levels.
4. Ensure adequate sleep: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Establish a wind-down routine before bed to improve sleep quality.
5. Be flexible with routines: During exam periods, be understanding about household chores and other responsibilities.
6. Create a comfortable study environment: Help your child set up a quiet, comfortable place to study and assist with creating a revision schedule.
7. Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood.
8. Discuss exam nerves: Remind your child that feeling anxious is normal and can be managed with positive thinking and relaxation techniques.
9. Don’t add to the pressure: Be reassuring and encouraging.  Listen to your child and give them support not criticism. Talk to your child after the exam to see how it went, focusing on the positives. Let them know that failing isn’t the end of the world.

When to get help: Some young people may feel much better when exams are over, but that’s not always the case. Get help if your child’s anxiety or low mood is severe, persists or interferes with their everyday life. Seeing a GP is a good place to start. 

-ends-

References

_{The research was conducted by Censuswide with 1,000 Parents and children (500 parents of children sitting exams this summer or that have sat exams aged 14-18 and 500 children sitting exams this summer or that have sat exams aged 14-18) between 09.05.2025-16.05.2025. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.}

^1. _{Combines ‘Very supported’ and ‘Somewhat supported’ of those who have sat/sitting exams [↑]}

^2. _{Combines ‘Increased anxiety’ and ‘Increased stress’ [↑]}

^3. _{Combines ‘Very concerned’ and ‘Somewhat concerned’ [↑]}

^4. _{Those who have noticed any changes in their child's behaviour or mood during exam periods [↑]}

^5. _{Excludes 'N/A – There are no strategies or actions I did / am taking to help support my child in managing exam pressures’ [↑]}

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