Students are being warned "not to be distracted by" fake 2022 exam papers for sale on social media.
The warning about the hoax offers comes from exams regulator Ofqual as youngsters across the UK began their GCSE and A-Level examinations this week. They also said that anyone buying the fake papers could lose their qualifications.
In an update on its website, Ofqual said: "Hoaxers are trying to sell fake exam papers on social media. We are advising students not to be distracted by these hoaxes and reminding them that anyone trying to sell or buy such fakes could be disqualified from their qualifications."
Read More: How to help your child beat exam stress
Meanwhile, new figures from Childline show that the number of counselling sessions over exam anxiety has almost doubled in seven months.
More than 200 sessions about exam worries took place in March 2022, nearly double the number of sessions in September 2021. In 2021-22, Childline practitioners delivered 1,734 sessions to pupils - a 62% rise on the previous year.
Over 200 of these were in March 2022, nearly double the number of sessions delivered seven months beforehand in September 2021, reflecting increasing levels of anxiety.
Alex Gray, service head at Childline, said: "Our latest Childline stats on exam stress highlight the mounting concern felt by children and young people as they look to sit their exams this month. Children are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and with GCSEs and A-levels due to take place as normal this year following two years of cancellations, it is really important they get the support they need to manage any concerns or worries they may have.
"As well as speaking to a parent or a teacher, children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, seven days a week and speak to one of our trained counsellors who can provide non-judgmental support and advice."
Read Next:
