Research from University College London reveals that exam stress at age 15 can increase the risk of depression and self-harm even into early adulthood. The study followed nearly 5,000 young people born in 1991 and 1992. They measured academic pressure through questionnaires at 15 and tracked mental health from ages 16 to 24. Findings published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health showed that students who felt the most pressure from schoolwork or family were more likely to experience depression or self-harm later. For every extra point of academic pressure at 15, depression risk by age 16 rose by 25%, and self-harm risk by 8%. At 24 years old, those with more school stress were 16% likelier to have attempted suicide. Professor Gemma Lewis from UCL explained, “A certain amount of pressure to succeed in school can be motivating, but too much pressure can be overwhelming and may be detrimental to mental health.” The study recommends whole-school actions to reduce exam stress, including social and emotional learning and relaxation techniques. Reducing high-stakes testing and promoting physical activity, social time, and sleep in families can help. Last year's Young Minds research found nearly two-thirds of 15- to 18-year-olds struggled before exams, with many facing panic attacks, worsening mental health, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. Paul Noblet of Young Minds said, “The evidence could not be clearer: academic pressures harm young people’s mental health.” Dr Sam Jones of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health commented that rising mental health issues in youth call for national action including better health access, poverty reduction, and less school stress. Children’s commissioner Rachel de Souza urged early intervention and stronger support systems in schools. A government spokesperson stated efforts to help children manage stress include expanding mental health teams in schools, reducing exam time, and boosting pupils’ sense of belonging through a curriculum review.