Published: 12:12 AM, 08 September 2026
Peer Pressure Causes Unbearable Stress to Students for Scoring High GPA
Jamal Uddin Sarker
Academic competition among students has become increasingly intense in Bangladesh. Getting a high Grade Point Average (GPA) is often considered a symbol of success, intelligence and family pride. However, the growing pressure to achieve excellent results, particularly due to comparison with classmates, is causing unbearable stress among many students. Peer pressure, combined with expectations from parents, teachers and society, is negatively affecting students' mental well-being.
In Bangladesh, academic achievement is often given enormous importance. Students preparing for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and university admission examinations frequently face long study hours and constant competition. Many students feel that they must obtain a GPA-5 or secure a top position to satisfy their families and maintain their social status. When their friends achieve better results, they may begin to feel inferior, even when their own performance is satisfactory.
Social media has made the situation more complicated. Students can easily see their friends sharing examination results, certificates, scholarships and admission successes online. Such posts may create an unrealistic impression that everyone else is performing exceptionally well. As a result, some students constantly compare themselves with their peers. The fear of falling behind can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness, loss of concentration and emotional exhaustion.
The problem is particularly serious when parents unintentionally increase the pressure. Some parents compare their children with relatives, neighbours or classmates and repeatedly ask why they cannot achieve similar results. In some families, obtaining a high GPA is treated as the only acceptable outcome. Students may consequently believe that disappointing examination results will also mean disappointing their parents.
Teachers and educational institutions also have an important role to play. Healthy competition can motivate students, but excessive emphasis on grades may make education stressful rather than meaningful. Students sometimes become more concerned about marks than about understanding lessons, developing creativity or acquiring practical skills. Private coaching and numerous examinations can further reduce the time available for rest, recreation and family life.
The consequences of excessive academic pressure should not be ignored. Prolonged stress can affect sleep, concentration, confidence and relationships. Some students may withdraw from friends and family, while others may develop unhealthy habits. Therefore, mental well-being should receive the same attention as academic performance.
Parents should create a supportive environment at home. Instead of comparing children with others, they should recognize individual abilities and encourage gradual improvement. Teachers should also provide constructive feedback and remind students that examination results are only one measure of achievement. Schools and colleges can arrange counselling services, stress-management programs and awareness sessions to help students cope with academic challenges.
Students themselves should learn to set realistic goals and maintain a balanced routine. Adequate sleep, physical exercise, recreation and communication with trusted people can help reduce stress. Most importantly, students must understand that their worth does not depend on a GPA.
Education should develop responsible, confident and capable citizens, not merely produce high scores. Bangladesh needs an education system where competition inspires students rather than overwhelms them. By reducing unnecessary peer pressure and placing greater emphasis on learning and well-being, we can help young people achieve success without sacrificing their happiness and mental peace.
Jamal Uddin Sarker is an ICT
trainer and a columnist.
