The matric class of 2021 are all eagerly awaiting their final exam results. While many teens will celebrate this new phase in their life, some could feel alone and isolated if they failed or didn’t do as well as they hoped. On the 21st of January matric results will be released and it is normal for pupils to experience feelings of stress and anxiousness. Parents and teachers play such an important role in supporting a pupil struggling to cope during this time. Not achieving what one had hoped for can be disappointing but pupils should not be discouraged.
Are you a parent, teacher or loved one who doesn’t know what to say or do if a learner receives a bad result or doesn’t achieve what they hoped for? Are you looking for ways to support them and ensure them that there are other options? Do you know how to support a student who hasn’t received their university exemption? What do you say? What do you do when your child is still feeling down or depressed a week after the results have come out? What warning signs should parents and teachers be looking out for?
SADAG is hosting a Facebook Friday Live Video Q&A on Friday, 14 January at 1pm to further support pupils, equip parents and teachers with practical ways of coping with the days leading up to results, what to do when the results are released and learn more about the next steps and identify the various options available. Join our #FacebookFriday Chat via our Facebook Page – The South African Depression and Anxiety Group as Educational Psychologist, Kayleigh Luntz and Tukisang Senne from WOZA Matrics will answering questions on how pupils, parents, teachers and loved ones can better prepare for the release of Matric Results and manage the outcomes and steps to take next.
Click Here to join the Facebook Chat
“All too often we receive calls from students who feel so alone, like they can’t speak to their parents or they have no one to talk to, or no one understands what they are going through. As parents, you can have that conversation today – let them know that whatever happens you still love them, it is going to be ok, you are going to figure it out. Be prepared. Have that discussion. What are they most worried about? What is option B? Have that discussion so they know you are on their side, look online to find out what options are available for remarking, supps, bridging courses.” Says SADAG Project Manager Vanishaa Gordhan.
Parents can offer comfort and reassurance to matriculants and that it’s normal to feel disappointment, worry, anger and sadness about their results. It’s vital that parents ensure that their teens do not bottle up their emotions and anxieties, but rather reach out to them and encourage them to talk about what they are thinking and how they are feeling. This can serve as an opportunity for parents and loved ones to show their Teens that setbacks do not have to mean the end of the road, and that they can be overcome but also helps them feel less stressed, supported and reassured.
SADAG is able to provide free telephone counselling, support and nationwide referrals. If you or a loved one are struggling to cope, you can speak to your parents, an aunt/uncle, a teacher, a religious leader – any adult you trust. If you are not sure who to turn to, or feel you don’t want to confide in anyone you know, you can call SADAG on 0800 567 567 or 0800 21 22 23 any day of the week to speak to a counsellor. SADAG has trained counsellors available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can SMS 31393 to speak to a counsellor. We are here for you. WhatsApp us on 076 882 2775 between 9am and 5pm or visit www.sadag.org for more information on how to get help.