Parents feeling overwhelmed by school stress are being offered new support through a BBC parenting service designed to help families navigate education and exam pressures.
New BBC service aims to help parents support children navigate pressures of school
BBC Bitesize has launched Bitesize Parenting, a free new platform aimed at helping parents support children from primary school through to GCSEs, A-levels and beyond.
The move comes as new Ipsos research found many parents feel anxious and uncertain about how to help their children during revision season.
One in five parents said they were not confident supporting their teenager through exams, while 35 per cent said revision season makes them feel anxious as a parent.
The study also found 21 per cent said exams lead to more tension or arguments at home, while 37 per cent said their child becomes more irritable or emotional during the period.
Parents said common worries include managing screen time and distractions, helping children cope with stress and saying the wrong thing about revision.
BBC Bitesize Parenting will offer practical guidance including what to say – and what not to say – during revision, expert mental health advice and tips to help parents avoid burnout.
The service also includes a new podcast series, Bitesize Parenting Teens, hosted by actress and comedian Kerry Godliman.
She said: “Exam season can feel intense for the whole family. As a parent, you want to help, but it is not always clear how to do that without adding more pressure. This podcast is about honest conversations and helping parents feel less alone.”
She added: “And it’s not just revision we talk about on Parenting Teens. We tackle familiar challenges like screen time, how to get your teen to tidy their room, and the much-feared hormones.”
Nearly half of parents surveyed said they struggle to keep up with the number of revision resources available.
Cerys Griffiths, Head of BBC Bitesize, said: “Parents are telling us they feel unsure and overwhelmed when it comes to supporting their children, particularly during high-pressure moments like exam season.”
“Bitesize Parenting has been developed in response to what families say they need most, bringing together trusted, expert-led advice in one place.”
The free resources are available through the BBC Bitesize website and BBC Sounds.