GCSE results can be a time for celebration but statistics show more young people than ever are worried about their grades.

Childline is reporting a 21 per cent rise in counselling sessions over the last year for young people who were worried about their grades.

Relate, the UK’s largest provider of children and young people’s counselling in schools, has issued advice to students and parents on how to cope during the days after results are released.

Young People’s Counsellor, Emma Powell at Relate Worcestershire, said: “Most parents want what’s best for their child and that’s why they can sometimes pile on the pressure when it comes to school work and exams.

“But pushing your child too hard or criticising them when they don’t get the grades you’d hoped isn’t good for their self-esteem or your relationship.

“When it comes to knowing what grades to expect and how to react, take your cue from your child.

“If they’re happy with their grades then try to be happy for them too, even if the straight As you’d hoped for didn’t materialise.

“If they’re disappointed, support them and talk them through the options they have.

“It may be that lower than expected grades act as a catalyst for positive changes in their lives or to decide what it is they really want to do.”

Relate’s tips for young people

Be honest. You might feel like bottling up what you’re worried about, but if you’re honest with your friends and family, they might be able to help. It can also be hard for those around you to know how to react unless you tell them what you’re hoping for.

Don’t despair. If your results are not what you were hoping for, try not to fly off the handle. It’s ok to feel disappointed, and you should give yourself time for that. But try to think about what steps you can take now to improve the situation.

Talk to someone. Knowledge is power and all that, so if your results aren’t what you wanted, make an effort to talk to an expert about your options. It might be that you can retake, or there might be alternative routes that you can take from here. Find out as much information as you can before rushing a decision.

Go steady. Celebrating or commiserating, it’s easy to get carried away on results day. Results day can be very emotional, and parties can sometimes get out of hand. Steer clear of drinking too much, and try to think things through before you make rash decisions.

Relate’s tips for parents

Talk to your teenager. Try and find out about their expectations so you know what they’re hoping for. This can make them feel cared for, and it also helps you know how to react when they open their results.

Match your expectations with theirs. You might be harbouring hopes for a straight A student, but that might not be what your teenager is hoping for. If they’re happy with their grades, be happy for them. Equally, if they’re disappointed, try to see where they’re coming from and offer support.

Don’t underestimate the effect that exam results can have. Results day can be one of the most important days for young people and it’s vital to recognise that. Don’t make out like the results don’t matter, or that the exams were not difficult and don’t hold back on the celebrating if your child is happy!

Support them. If the grades are not what your teenager was hoping for, give them time to come to terms with it. They might want to talk through their options with you, or they might just want to be alone, but make sure they know that you’re feeling for them, and you’re there to help.

Relate Worcestershire’s offices are open Monday-Thursday 0900-1900, Friday 0900-1800 and Saturday 0900-1300. Appointments are available to book by calling 01905 28051 (24 hour answerphone) or visit www.relate.org.uk/worcestershire for more information.