KT for good: Teenagers, parents all stressed out over academics

If you think high levels of stress can be experienced only in a 9-5 workplace, then try talking to a teenager - or a parent of one.
In a poll conducted by Khaleej Times targeting teens and their parents, nearly seven in 10 (69.3 per cent) have said they are experiencing 'too much pressure' to excel in academics. Only 30.7 per cent of 2,225 voters did not agree to it.
Many said schoolwork was the top source of stress, followed by getting into a good college and deciding what to do after high school.
Speaking to KT, Rahul Sunil, a Grade 11 student of Our Own High School, Al Warqa'a, Dubai, said that in the current education scenario, the potential of a student is largely based on his or her achievement in examinations.
"Admissions to another school or into universities depend on scores. This puts immense pressure on students to perform well. Peer comparisons even adds to the pressure. The assessment system needs radical change. Parents and teachers need to work with students to ensure they are not under undue stress," Sunil said.
Another student, AJ, said a huge chunk of the stress he experiences is because of homework, exams and the pressure to get good grades.
"I am unable to enjoy what I study as I am under pressure to do loads of homework in a short span of time. I just mug up things and that's what studies have been reduced to."
According to a research by Stanford University, 56 per cent of students considered homework a main source of stress.
'It's a lesson on responsibility'
Responding to sentiments about schools putting too much pressure on students, Mala Mehra, principal of The Central School, Dubai, said the idea is to get students to understand their responsibility towards scoring good grades in the board exams.
Mehra added that schools provide the youth with the necessary support to help them cope with struggles.
"We have de-stressing sessions by the school counsellor, and we give one-to-one support sessions to students. We help students prepare their studying schedules and monitor that through teachers' support," she said.
"Counselling for parents is another key factor, as many a time that parents pass on their anxiety to their children. Incorporating short breaks and meditation sessions in between classes can help, too."
The goal, she said, is to motivate students to take responsibility of their own learning.
Homework is another issue that has long been debated in the education sector.
Klyvia Patrick, secondary counsellor at GEMS Wellington Academy-Silicon Oasis, said: "What is clear is that too much homework can be detrimental to health, wellbeing and grades of students. Frequent homework can feel overwhelming, which in turn can cause stress, anxiety, and frustration and could potentially prevent students from achieving their best results.
"By having copious amount of homework, students do not have enough time to spend with their friends and family. This can leave them without a support system and feeling isolated."
Mindfulness for teens
It's natural for teenagers to experience an 'abundance of strong emotions', counsellors said. But if they're not getting appropriate support and the right tools to handle these, that's when they may experience emotional stress.
Sushma Dmello, counsellor at Amity School, Dubai, said teenagers should practice mindfulness so they can stay focused and at peace.
"Taking some time each day to focus on breathing can help manage stress both in the moment and over a long period of time. Other things like focusing on one's strength; doing things that will make one happy; engaging in physical activity; and talking to a trusted adult can also help. Schools can provide guidance on developing coping skills, problem-solving skills, study skills and time management for teenagers," Dmello said.
Tips for teens: How to keep calm in a high-stress environment
>Practise breathing exercises and meditation
>Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses
>Do not compare yourself to anyone, and focus on your progress instead
>Eat healthy and get enough rest
>Limit your use of social media
>Make time for hobbies and activities that you love doing
>Reach out to parents and teachers, especially when you need help
saman@khaleejtimes.com