Prioritise mental health all year – not just during exam season

As a mom of a Grade 10 pupil and a Varsity student, I do not know who worries more about the end-of-year exams. The whole year's work depends on these exams, and as tensions build in homes across Kimberley, remember that we need to take a step back and prioritise the mental health of our children and ourselves.

As pupils prepare for their final exams, UNICEF South Africa is encouraging adults and teenagers to seek support if they're feeling overwhelmed. According to a 2024 UNICEF survey, 75% of respondents felt the need for mental health support, but only 33% had actually sought help.

Dr Andile Dube, Education Manager at UNICEF South Africa, notes that many young South Africans are feeling anxious about their education and job prospects. "Exam stress in particular is taking its toll – especially for matrics. This is compounded by other issues commonly faced by today's young people, such as cyberbullying and violence."

Dr Dube emphasises that mental health challenges tend to snowball if left unattended. "Mental health challenges start slowly and develop with time. If not attended to, they can eventually become bigger and can lead to mental illness."

To combat this, Dr Dube stresses the importance of year-round mental health support for teens. "I want to say to parents: let's not only start supporting our children because it's exam time. Support should be constant throughout the year, including when exam results are released.

"It is important that we speak with our children on a daily basis to try and find out what they might be struggling with, and what we as parents can do to help."

UNICEF South Africa offers various resources, including a Parenting Hub with a mental health and well-being page with articles offering support for teens.

The Parent Text line that can be accessed by WhatsApping "Support" to 083 283 8620.

Additional support lines include:

South African Depression and Anxiety Group 087 163 2050

Suicide Crisis helpline 0800 567 567

Childline 116