I wonder how they were attempting it? Very sad that some kids feel so overwhelmed they resort to that. Perhaps the child has underlying issues that caused such a reaction though eg. self-harm with Autism, being unable to express emotions in a healthy way. Maybe the parents were very strict and placed pressure, or the teacher? So many questions. I really hope the child is getting help and support. There have always been tests as long as I can remember, just not the NAPLAN kind.

For heaven’s sake – it’s just a test, not the end of the world. We used to have tests all the time, and we weren’t warned that it was going to happen so we could swot up either.

This is obviously an extreme reaction to NAPLAN testing. It’s the only suicide attempt I’ve heard about. I’m thinking some counselling is due though, I would think there might be issues at home to bring on this kind of reaction

We need to get rid of the Naplan testing, go back to the old methods, kids do not need pressure to perform better than others, just perform at the best of their own ability.

I do think that this Naplan testing can be very stressful for some children

This story could have ended very differently if the school had not intervened and I am glad the childs life was saved.

My daughters school makes sure the students stay calm in the lead up to NAPLAN, assuring them that its nothing to worry or stress about and I found it worked very well for my daughter who suffered from anxiety.

The test itself isn’t really the issue in my opinion, more the way it is communicated and handled to the children

I think the way that NAPLAN is handled is actually the problem, not really the testing its self. If it was just done as a normal part of assessment, with no build up, practices etc, not only would it give a more accurate record but would remove the stress for students.
And personally i don’t know anyone that looks at the results when considering schools – if you are selecting a school based on NAPLAN results for children you are looking at education the wrong way in my opinion. Children will learn were they are comfortable and happy – that is what school selection should be based on.

It’s just a test. Such a pity that some people hang so much value on it, kids should never be stressed by a test, but be able to be relaxed about it and feel they’re ok no matter how they perform. This is clearly not the case for many children. I would be happy to see NAPLAN ditched forever.

Years ago pupils in primary schools had small tests on what they had learnt that week.
That way the teachers could assess if the pupils had learnt the work at all or needed extra help.

Well get rid of NAPLAN

When my now 17 year old, first did a Naplan test in grade 3, there was go much pressure put on them leading up to it, it was ridiculous! The kids were stressed out thinking that they weren’t smart enough