Is Your Teen Prepared for the Matric Results?

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With matric results arriving next week, it’s important for parents to remember that their child is so much more than a number on a page. Now is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible person they’ve become – their resilience, their unique talents, and the effort they’ve poured into their academic journey.

South Africa (11 January 2026) – The 13th of January marks the date for the long-awaited Matric results. It’s a tense time for the 2025 students and their parents. Whether there’s worry about passing or failing, anxiety over earning a bachelor’s pass, or doubts that they have aced the marks to qualify for a certain study programme or tertiary institution, pressures are mounting. For some, it may feel that their whole future is on the line.

Parents have a big role to play in supporting and coaching their teen through this run-up to the Matric results and their immediate aftermath. The more conscious and intentional they are about being a wise and solid support, the less likely it is that parents will make the stress worse.

Dr Lauren Martin, Counselling Psychologist and Dean of the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), says it’s a time for parents to keep the focus on their child’s strengths, efforts, and their emerging identity, shifting attention away from narrow concerns on specific outcomes like marks.

“There are solutions and different pathways for every possible Matric outcome, and it is important to emphasise resilience and flexibility,” Dr Martin says.

“A supportive parent communicates confidence in their child’s ability to grow and adapt, even if the path ahead might end up being different from what was originally imagined, planned or hoped for. What’s important is to help defuse the notion that a young person’s entire success hinges entirely on just these marks, because that’s a high-pressure idea that might lead to mental health
challenges.”

Before the results – managing stress

Parents can enhance their connection and engagement with their teen over this time by diverting attention away from worries and more to fun.

“Do fun activities with your kids,” advises JP Moller, Educator at SACAP, .

“It needs to be acknowledged that they did all they could while studying and writing the exams, and it is now out of their control. In the last few days before the results are published, keep them busy in healthy ways, like going on walks, playing sports or enjoying other hobbies together. Keep the focus also on physical health – healthy eating, daily exercise and sufficient sleep. Motivate them to talk to other matriculants about how they manage their stress while waiting for their results. Guide them through catastrophic thinking and create calm in the home.”

Warning signs that stress and anxiety may be overwhelming your teen include changes in behaviour such as withdrawal or isolation, loss of interest in things they normally enjoy, persistent irritability or emotional outbursts, noticeable changes in sleep or eating and excessive worry, panic, or inability to concentrate.

“If these signs persist or escalate, it’s important to seek professional support from a counsellor or a psychologist, or your doctor. Keep in mind that early intervention helps prevent stress from becoming a more serious mental health challenge,” JP says.

After the results – setting the future course

Praneetha Jugdeo, Head of SACAP’s Durban Campus, points out that the road to success in life
is not linear.

“Parents promote future readiness by supporting their child’s confident, values-based decisions – even when their Matric results have been disappointing. They can help by encouraging conversations focused on their child’s strengths, interests, values, and long-term goals rather than just ‘what looks good on paper’. Support exploration rather than dictating outcomes,” she says.

In today’s world, there is so much choice when it comes to getting on a pathway to a fulfilling career. For example, for students who feel uncertain or did not achieve the results they hoped for, a Higher Certificate programme can be an empowering next step, as it provides opportunities for students to explore fields they are genuinely interested in.

Alternatively, a gap year that includes some work, short course studies or travel can give a young person some time to broaden their perspectives, mature and boost their self-knowledge before making decisions about long-term tertiary education options or career choices.

Keeping the focus on mental health

Before or after the release of the 2025 Matric results, prioritising emotional well-being is essential. Parents should remain vigilant for signs of serious distress and remember that seeking professional help can make a critical difference.

Parents and teens can access support through organisations such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), which offers an online chat service with a counsellor seven days a week from 9 am – 4 pm via the Cipla WhatsApp Chat Line 076 882 2775. Alternatively, you can SMS 31393 or 32312, and a counsellor will call you back.

Counselling sessions can also be booked on The Counselling Hub by calling 021 462 3902 or 067 235 0019 or emailing info@counsellinghub.org.za

LifeLine South Africa is also available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The National Counselling Line is 0861 322 322