'Nine out of 10 teenagers' feel under exam stress

Nine out of 10 teenagers feel under pressure from their parents to get good grades at school, according to research.

The figure, from a Scout Association survey, followed a powerful Government report which urged ministers to consider reviewing school tests so pupils are assessed when they are "ready".

While many 13 to 18-year-olds admired their parents, a quarter said their mums and dads failed to listen to them, the survey found.

And 90% felt pressure from their parents to achieve at school.

Last week, Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert recommended that ministers reform teaching and school tests. She suggested pupils may need to be tested when they are ready, rather than at set stages during their school careers.

The Scout Association research said most young people felt positive about their parents, rating their families as far better influences than celebrities.

"Young people express highly positive attitudes towards their family and believe they have a positive influence," the study said.

"Mum, dad and siblings are ranked as being the most positive influence.

"Young people are more cynical, or at least unconvinced, about the influence of celebrities on their lives and indeed feel that celebrities such as Pete Doherty are bad role models."

The poll also found that 68% of teenagers said they often felt "bored".

:: Research consultants nfpSynergy surveyed 1,004 13 to 18-year-olds in the UK for the study.

Copyright Press Association 2007