Matric results: Students told to ‘try to be as calm as possible’
The SA government has urged students to try to remain calm as they wait for their matric results on 18 January.
The anticipation of matric results can bring students a lot of stress. The government has released on its X and WhatsApp broadcast channel a note advising them to remain calm as they wait for results. The message stated that “government encourages the 2023 matriculants who are waiting for the release of the exam results to remain positive and try to be as calm as possible”.
Mental health is important during this time as there is a high level of stress and a suicide spike around this time of year. Parents are urged to be supportive of their children’s results regardless of the outcome during this time.
ALSO READ: Register NOW to access your matric 2023 results easily!
GOVERNMENT ADVISES STUDENTS WAITING FOR THEIR MATRIC RESULTS
With matric results making headlines, students are likely to feel stressed out. Government reminded them to stay as calm as possible and to reach out if they are feeling overwhelmed: “If you are feeling overwhelmed, do not hesitate to talk to friends, family, or teachers”. This is an important message as disappointing results could lead to students becoming depressed during this time of year.
PARENTS SHOULD BE SUPPORTIVE
As reported in The Voice of the Cape, educational psychologist Irma Eloff stated that students are put under a lot of pressure while awaiting their matric results. Students need to be reassured that there are other opportunities should their results not have a positive outcome. She stated: “No matter what the outcome, there is an upside to every downside and a downside to every upside.”
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HOW TO GET HELP
According to SADAG, 60% of people who commit suicide are depressed. Students who are feeling overwhelmed or depressed can reach out by contacting their crisis hotline at 0800 567 567. The number is toll-free and available 24/7.
HOW TO GET MATRIC RESULTS
As reported by The SouthAfrican, students can register online or by SMS. South Africans can register using the USSD code *120*45856# and exam number. Matric results will then be sent via text with each SMS costing R1.50 (no free SMSs are permitted).
ALSO READ: Matric exams 2023: Results out NEXT WEEK
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