With Junior and Leaving Certificate exams starting this week, many teenagers are struggling with anxiety and pressure. Wexford psychotherapist Nettie Bowie explains why social media comparisons and well-meaning parental comments can backfire – and shares practical ways to support your teen without adding to their stress.
For many teens, exams are tied to identity, self-worth, and fears about the future.
As a parent, it’s only natural to want to help your teenager through stressful times – especially during high-pressure periods like the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Understanding what contributes to their anxiety and knowing how to support them can make a real difference in how they cope, both emotionally and academically.
Exams often represent more than just academic assessment. For many teens, they are tied to identity, self-worth, and fears about the future. Pressure to succeed may stem from their own expectations, family hopes, peer comparisons, and increasingly, social media narratives about achievement.