Tag: Childline

Thousands of lonely children turning to Childline for help and support

  • Childline delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions across 2023/24 where the main concern was loneliness.
  • Causes include being bullied by peers and seeing their friends having fun on social media and feeling as though they are missing out.
  • This January, Childline continues to be there for young people who need a safe and confidential place to turn to.

Thousands of children and young people across the UK continue to turn to Childline to discuss and seek help for feelings of loneliness.

In 2023/24 the NSPCC service delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions related to the concern, both online and over the phone from one of their 13 bases around the country, including Aberdeen and Glasgow in Scotland.

Reasons children and young people have cited for feeling lonely in the last year include moving house or school and having to make new friends, their parents working long hours, being bullied by peers, and seeing their friends having fun on social media and feeling as though they are missing out.

One 11-year-old girl from Scotland said to Childline: “I feel so lonely at school, I only really have one friend.

“What’s harder though is I feel I can’t talk about how much it upsets me. My parents seem annoyed or judgemental when I try to talk about my feelings. Speaking to Childline feels like a weight has been lifted.”

The charity is revealing these figures to remind children and young people that they are not alone this January, or any other time of the year, with Childline ready to provide help and support 24/7.  

Adeniyi Alade, Childline Service Head, based in Aberdeen, said: “The dark and cold winter months can be a difficult time for many of us when feelings of loneliness and isolation can become more intense.

“Sadly, a high number of children and young people contact Childline because they feel lonely and isolated. We know this can have a serious impact on their mental wellbeing, often leaving young people feeling depressed and helpless.

“Children don’t have to face these emotions alone. Childline is here for every young person, no matter what their situation. Whether they’re missing a member of their family, struggling with friendships and bullying, or finding it difficult to talk with those around them, our counsellors are ready to listen.

“We’d encourage young people to get support as early as possible because that can help prevent the situation from getting worse.”

Tips for adults to help children and young people who may be experiencing loneliness include:

  1. Communicate openly: Encourage children to talk about their feelings and listen without judgement.
  2. Discover what’s causing the problem: Gently explore why they might be feeling this way and validate their emotions.
  3. Encourage socialising: Help children find opportunities to connect with peers through hobbies, clubs, or activities.
  4. Help them build their confidence: Celebrate their strengths and achievements and remind them of the positive relationships in their lives.
  5. Build a supportive environment: Loneliness isn’t something that can be resolved with one conversation. It is important to create an environment of openness where a child can talk to you about their feelings and any struggles they may be facing.

To support young people who may be dealing with loneliness, the NSPCC also offers an online text befriending service called Building Connections.

This service, available to anyone up to the age of 19, matches young people with a trained befriender for 11 weeks who will help them to build their confidence and better manage their loneliness. To refer a child to the Building Connections service visit: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/building-connections?modularPage=make-a-referral

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website. 

Scottish Childline volunteer will support children on Christmas Eve

Volunteering at Childline and doing a shift for the first time on Christmas eve, Adam (36) from Springburn, Glasgow, cherishes the opportunity to be there for children, providing a trusted person to talk to.

Recognising that Christmas can be difficult and home unsafe for some children, Childline volunteer Adam will support them this festive period.

Childline, an NSPCC run service, delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions over the 12 Days of Christmas[1] last year, averaging more than 450 a day. To manage this service, the NSPCC relies on the compassion and generosity of its volunteers. Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.

Adam explains that the thought of a call or email going unanswered inspired him to volunteer over the Christmas period.

He said: “I previously worked with children when I was a classroom assistant, and I saw first-hand just how complicated children’s lives can be.

“Not everyone has a trusted person to talk to and someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that at Childline.

“It’s nice to know that you can be there for a child who just needs someone to listen to them. You feel you’ve made a positive difference in at least one child’s life, often more.

“There’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.”

Adam says it’s crucial to have volunteers at Childline during the festive period and there’s fantastic support available to them from staff and other volunteers.

He said: “Last January, I recall a particularly challenging contact from a child who was upset as they had to spend time with extended family on Boxing Day including having a meal with a relative who’d sexually abused them.

“These contacts can be difficult, but they highlight the need for Childline and reminds you that you’ve got a job to do, to support the young person.

“When you talk to a child you are thinking – how can I help them to feel comfortable to open up about what’s happened to them? You also want to make sure that they don’t feel judged. I ask myself do they just need to talk or are they in need of support to come up with a course of action or solution? How are they going to start that conversation with their mum, teacher or friend?”

Adam added: “There is plenty of training and support available at the Childline base in Glasgow, including supervisor assistance before, during, and after shifts, making sure we are well-prepared to manage difficult contacts.

“As this will be my first Christmas shift, I am a bit nervous about contact from children that may ask me why Santa didn’t come? Although, I am reassured that I have my supervisor and other volunteers to support me on how to handle these kinds of concerns.”

Adam talked about how he deals with his worries in general and if he has a difficult shift on Childline.

He explains: “I like to spend time outside and enjoy hill walking and this helps with decompressing after a difficult shift or even anything else that may be going on in my own life. It’s a good way to clear my head.”

Since his volunteering journey began in January 2024, Adam has gained valuable insights to the hardship endured by children and during Christmas time.

Adam said: “Unfortunately, Christmas isn’t a positive experience for all children, as some face difficult family situations, or homelessness. The contrast between children who receive many gifts and those who receive almost nothing is stark during the holiday season.”

However, the incredible resilience of children, who often thank volunteers despite their own struggles, stands out to Adam.

He said: “The children’s strength of character shines through during the calls. Despite their difficulties, they thank you, wish you a good weekend, or chat excitedly about positive aspects of their lives. For example, when asked if they’ll do something nice as a distraction, they might say they’re going to cuddle their cat. It’s heartening to see them as whole individuals, not just their issues.”

Sometimes, Adam is the first person a child talks to about issues like friendship problems.

He explains: “It’s such a privilege to help children and young people take the next step, such as speaking to their parents about what’s worrying them. Many young people say they feel much better after speaking with Childline, and it’s so heartwarming to see the positive impact of the support.

“While I know it will be tough, I’m happy to volunteer this Christmas Eve. During the festive period children have less support from their usual networks, such as school and friends, so I’m looking forward to being there to listen to them.”

Adam wants to encourage other people to volunteer with Childline.

He said: “You can sign up for a volunteer information meeting through the Childline website. These provide valuable information without any obligation to commit.  If you do decide to be a Childline volunteer, you won’t regret it.

“Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone. It’s a stressful and challenging period for many children, and we all should be aware of this. Volunteering or donating to the NSPCC can make a significant difference for children in need during the holiday season.

“Behind the festive facade, some children are dealing with grief, the absence of family members, or the complexities of family dynamics. The true meaning of Christmas is compassion, generosity and community.  To provide a listening ear for children during Christmastime is a wonderful gift to give.”

Childline Glasgow currently has vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors.

To find out more about volunteering at Childline visit: 

https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/volunteers/childline/

This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.    

The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk  

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Childline ready to be there for thousands of children in need of help and support over the festive period

  • Last year, the NSPCC-service delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK over the 12 Days of Christmas, averaging more than 450 a day.
  • Recurring festive worries for young people include bereavement, family relationship issues and adults drinking too much.
  • Childline remains open for children and young people throughout December, including Christmas Day, for any questions, concerns or worries they may have.

The NSPCC’s Childline service is anticipating thousands of children and young people reaching out to them for help and support across the upcoming festive period, with counsellors available around the clock throughout the holidays.

Over the 12 Days of Christmas last year (24th December 2023 to 4th January 2024) Childline delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions to children living across the UK, averaging out at more than 450 a day.

As throughout the rest of the year, problems with mental health and wellbeing is the main reason why children and young people contact Childline.

However, there are also recurring issues and worries arising that are more specific to the festive season including:

  • Young people reflecting on the prospect of Christmas without a loved one
  • Being worried about family conflict and adults consuming alcohol
  • Feeling pressure to eat more than normal/coping with an eating disorder
  • Concerns about family money worries
  • Feelings of guilt or jealousy about the presents they receive

One girl from Scotland aged 18 told Childline: “I’m feeling very on edge right now as all the family is home for Christmas. They’re all in a room laughing and drinking, but any time I try to say anything they just talk right over me, like I don’t exist.

“I’m now in my room alone, so I thought I’d come on here for a chat.”

Another girl from Scotland aged 15 told Childline: “I feel like a failure whenever I eat something cos my brain tells me that not eating is the only thing I’m good at – and in a way it’s true.

“I’m worried about Christmas tomorrow as there is obviously going to be lots of food and my parents don’t know that I’ve been struggling a lot with it. I don’t know what to do.”

Childline bases across the UK, including in London, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Cardiff, will be in operation throughout the Christmas period, filled with both full-time staff and volunteers.

Adeniyi Alade, Service Head of Childline and based at the Aberdeen base, said: “Childline will be there, as always, to help the thousands of children who contact us by phone and online over the festive period.

“We know Christmas can be a difficult time for some children and young people when they are spending more time at home.

“This time of year, can cause added stress to family life such as financial worries, arguments, and adults drinking a lot of alcohol.

“Whatever they may be worried about we’d like to reassure children and young people that our trained counsellors will be there to listen and support them on every day of the 12 Days of Christmas and into the New Year.”  

Adam Perry (36) from Glasgow has been a volunteer at the city’s Childline base since January this year.

He’s doing a shift on Christmas Eve for the first time and said: “Children have got all sorts of things going on in their lives, and often they are trying to cope with so much that’s happening to them.

“Someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that.

“At the end of every shift at Childline you feel like you’ve made a positive difference for at least one child, often more. To be honest there’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.

“While I know it will be tough, I’m happy to volunteer this Christmas Eve. During the festive period, children have less support from their usual networks, such as school and friends, so I’m looking forward to being there to listen to them.”

This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.    

The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 

NSPCC sees a surge in concerns about children experiencing domestic abuse

  • The NSPCC Helpline fielded almost 4,000 contacts about concerns for children experiencing domestic abuse in the first six months of 24/25.
  • There has been a 19% increase about the issue compared to the same period in 23/24.
  • Coercive or controlling behaviour, emotional domestic abuse and post-separation domestic abuse were concerns repeatedly raised in contacts the adult helpline received about domestic abuse.
  • Childline is reminding all children that the service is ready to support them if they have concerns about domestic abuse, or any other issues, this festive season.

The NSPCC is dealing with an increase in contacts to its Helpline from adults with concerns about children who are experiencing domestic abuse.

In the first six months of 2024/25, the charity received 3,879 contacts relating to the issue, a 19% rise compared to the previous year.

A deeper dive into the domestic abuse data reveals mentions of coercive or controlling behaviour (1,279 contacts) and emotional domestic abuse (1,451) increased by a half, while post-separation domestic abuse more than doubled.

A 12-year-old girl from Scotland told a Childline counsellor: “I can’t handle living around my dad; he puts us all on edge. You never know what he’s going to do next or over what.

“Mum thought she’d lost her phone weeks ago, but really dad hid it to punish her. Mum doesn’t even argue back anymore, it’s like he’s made her give up.”

Children are also directly contacting the charity about this issue, with Childline delivering over 500 counselling sessions on domestic abuse in the same 6-month period.

As we move towards Christmas and into the winter months, the concern now is that these numbers will continue to rise with longer, darker nights seeing children spending more time at home and having several weeks away from school over the festive period.

In response, the NSPCC is launching its annual Christmas campaign designed to remind young people that Childline is available throughout the festive season to support on all concerns, including domestic abuse.

Sadly, there will be thousands of children this Christmas across the UK in search of free and confidential help for a range of worries and concerns. These include how to stay safe from abuse and about feeling completely alone. This Christmas, Childline is ready for every call and contact throughout the festive period.

In the charity’s Christmas TV advert, a young girl who has been neglected during the festive period contacts Childline for help. She speaks to a trained counsellor who listens to what is happening to her and provides support. 

The issue can still persist after a relationship is over. An adult in Scotland who had concerns for a relative’s safety in a domestic abuse setting told the NSPCC Helpline that they saw signs of controlling behaviour after a relationship had ended.

They said: “My sister recently left an abusive situation with her six-month old baby, but her ex-partner is still in control of their finances and emotionally abusing her. Her ex has drained their accounts so she can’t buy what she needs for my niece.

“The ex is bombarding her with threats over text, even saying they will kill themselves if she doesn’t go back or let them see the baby. Where can we get support and protection for my sister and niece?”

Adeniyi Alade, head of NSPCC helplines in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of wonder and excitement for children, but sadly this is not always the case. For some it can be a time in the year when problems at home come to a head and trigger issues like domestic abuse.

“Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline about domestic abuse have been on the rise this year and the concern now is that this will continue over Christmas and into 2025.

“Our mission is to ensure that no child is left to suffer in silence. Our Childline service is open in December and throughout the year to provide free, confidential advice and support.”

This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.   

The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 

Any adult can contact the NSPCC Helpline if they have a concern about a child on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. For more information on DART (Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together), visit the NSPCC website.

Anti-Bullying Week: Insight and advice from Childline and the NSPCC Helpline

Anti-Bullying Week is an annual event in the UK that aims to raise awareness about the bullying of children and young people and highlights ways of preventing and responding to the issue. The week is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and this year’s theme is ‘Choose Respect’.

The theme will encourage children and young people to start a national conversation about how to handle disagreements and differences of opinion without resorting to bullying. It aims to encourage people to support each other to champion kindness – highlighting that being kind is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength. 

Childline Data

  • Between April 2023 to March 2024 Childline delivered 7,931 counselling sessions where a child’s main concern was bullying  
  • 6,999 were about bullying in person
  • 932 were about online bullying. 

Quotes from children who contacted Childline about bullying 

Quotes are based on real contacts to Childline but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child involved:

A girl aged 13 told Childline: “My bully had been threatening to beat me up for weeks. The girl cornered me today and shoved my head into a wall. She did it so hard that it gave me a nosebleed. I’m scared it’s only going to get worse.” 

A boy aged 11 told Childline: “A while ago we were just playing a game online and when I won my friend got really angry and told me to kill myself. Since then, at school that’s all he’ll say to me or something else horrible to bully me. It’s making school really lonely for me.” 

A girl aged 18 told Childline: “Someone’s making loads of accounts online to message saying to self-harm. I block and report all of them, but they keep making more accounts. I wish I wasn’t so upset by it, but I was bullied when I was younger and this has brought it all back again.” 

A girl aged 12 told Childline: “My friends have set up a group chat to talk about me. One of them sent me screenshots where they’re making fun of how I look and act. I just feel silly being played and don’t get why they want to upset me.” 

Shaun Friel, Childline Director said: “Bullying can take on many different forms, and it can happen anywhere including in school, at home or online.

“With almost 8,000 Childline counselling sessions on the issue over the past year, we inevitably hear from young people on a daily basis who want to talk about bullying.

“It’s important that campaigns, such as Anti-Bullying Week exist, so we can continue the conversation of the effects this type of behaviour can have on children. It can make young people feel incredibly lonely, afraid and impact their mental wellbeing. 

“Childline is always here for young people to turn to, no matter what the issue. Our trained counsellors will be here 24/7 over the phone and online.”

NSPCC Helpline data 

  • Between April 2023 to March 2024 the NSPCC Helpline handled 805 child welfare contacts where the main concern was bullying  
  • 666 concerned bullying in person
  • 139 concerned online bullying 

Quotes from adults who contacted the NSPCC Helpline about bullying 

Quotes are based on real contacts to the Helpline but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child and adult involved.

A parent told the NSPCC Helpline: “Last month my son’s bullies beat him up badly. They made people film it, so there’s evidence for the school and police, but he’s been terrified to go back. He’s only 12, how can I get him back to school and feeling safe?” 

A parent told the NSPCC Helpline: “We’d noticed our daughter had become withdrawn over the last few months and turns out she’s being bullied. School has done some detentions, but these children are calling her racist slurs, is there a way to get the school to address this seriously as racism?” 

A parent told the NSPCC Helpline: “My daughter has told me she’s being bullied at school and having panic attacks from it all. My husband thinks we should encourage her to just push through it but I think she needs more support; what can we do?” 

Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “With thousands of young people turning to Childline and the NSPCC Helpline for support on bullying which aligns so much with our own research, it’s clear we must take action. 

“This Anti-Bullying Week, let’s come together, lead by example and commit to always choosing respect, creating safer spaces for every child.” 

Advice for children

  1. Share how you are feeling with other young people. Childline’s monitored online message boards are a safe non-judgmental space where you can speak to other children who are in a similar situation to you about your experiences and feelings. This can help you feel less alone and will give you an online support network that you can turn to.
  2. Talk to an adult you trust about the bullying you are experiencing so you feel less alone and so that adult can support you. This could be a parent, teacher or you can speak to a Childline counsellor on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk
  3. Take a break from your device if you are being bullied online and do something you enjoy such as sport, listening to music or art.
  4. Remember that bullying is not your fault.
  5. Report and block someone if they are sending you messages online that upset you.

For Adults: 

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied online:

  • Not wanting to go to school or take part in normal activities. 
  • Getting anxious or angry if you go near their device. 
  • Feeling withdrawn, upset or angry at home.
  • Problems sleeping or eating.
  • Having angry outbursts that seem out of character.
  • Spending more or less time online than normal.

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied in-person

  • Belongings are getting lost or damaged.
  • Physical injuries such as unexplained bruises.
  • Being afraid to go to school.
  • Not doing as well at school.
  • Being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn.
  • Problems with eating or sleeping.
  • Bullying others.

What to do if you think your child is being bullied

  1. Talk to your child and remind them to come to you with anything that might be making them feel anxious or sad.  If your child speaks to you about an experience of bullying that they’ve had online or in person, try to remain calm and don’t overwhelm them with questions and reassure them that it will be ok, and that you’re always there for them. 
  2. Show them how to report or block a message that they’ve received from someone online that upsets or worries them. 
  3. Don’t take their device away if they’ve had a negative experience online. Although you may want to do this if they are upset, this may make them feel like whatever has happened is their fault.  Instead, suggest they take some time away from the app they received the messages on and do another online activity they enjoy like playing a game.  

Know where you can get further support.

Adults can call the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000.

There is also further advice on the NSPCC website.

Over half of all Childline counselling sessions with children in Scotland were about mental health last year

  • Childline delivered more than 8,000 counselling sessions with children in Scotland last year
  • This included 4,485 counselling sessions with children about their mental and emotional health and wellbeing concerns
  • This World Mental Health Day, the NSPCC is encouraging children to reach out to Childline for support on any issues

Over half (55%) of all counselling sessions delivered to young people in Scotland by the NSPCC’s Childline service last year were about mental health and wellbeing.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, Childline delivered 4,485 counselling sessions to young people in Scotland about mental and emotional health and wellbeing, equating to approximately 12 sessions a day.

When discussing their mental health, some of the top concerns that were raised were anxiety, stress, low mood, depression and loneliness.

To mark World Mental Health Day (Thursday, October 10th), the NSPCC is highlighting these figures to show the scale of children struggling with their mental health and to remind them that Childline is a safe place where they can seek help and support.

An 11-year-old girl from Scotland who contacted Childline, said: “I feel so lonely at school, I only really have one friend. What’s harder though is I feel I can’t talk about how much it upsets me.

“My parents seem annoyed or judgemental when I try to talk about my feelings. Speaking to Childline feels like a weight has been lifted.”

It is important for children and young people get help with their mental health at an early stage – through schools or in the local community – rather than waiting until they reach crisis point.

That is why the charity is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure communities have the resources they need to be able to support children’s mental health wherever and whenever they need it. This will require investment in specialist care, counselling in schools and support in community settings.

Any child or young person who is struggling can also contact Childline up to the age of 19 and have a confidential conversation with a counsellor over the phone or online, at any time of the day.

Adeniyi Alade, service head of Childline, who is based at Aberdeen Childline, said: “Growing up can be tough at times and our counsellors talk to children and young people every day to support them with their mental health and wellbeing.

“This Mental Health Day we’d like to remind young people that our friendly counsellors are here for them all day, every day, to talk about whatever is worrying them.

“They don’t need to struggle alone. We can help, whether they are feeling anxious, lonely, or depressed.

 “At the NSPCC and Childline we also believe that mental health support should be available in all communities across Scotland and are calling on the Scottish government to implement this to reach every pupil who needs help.”

The Childline website also provides support to young people on the advice pages or resources, such as Art Box, which is a space for children to write or draw about their feelings. Children can also use the service’s Calm Zone, an area of the website with lots of tools and mechanisms to help young people cope.

Drawing or writing can be a helpful way for children to process their emotions, as it can enable them to express themselves and make sense of their situation.

One primary school aged girl from Scotland who contacted Childline, said: “I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me.

“It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way. Reading and drawing are my ways to escape.”

With this in mind, Lidl GB in partnership with Crayola is supporting the NSPCC in their mission to be there for every child needing support with their mental health by launching the Crayola Cosmic Creations and Fantastic Fantasy Activity Tube.

The activity tubes – of which £1 per item sold will be donated to Childline – are designed to give children a creative outlet for their emotions using colouring pencils, colouring rolls, foil art posters and stickers, all with vibrant designs.

Charlie Day, CSR Team Manager at Lidl GB, said: “Supporting young people’s mental health matters hugely to our colleagues and customers.

“That’s why at Lidl GB we’re committed to building on the over £9 million we’ve donated to the NSPCC since 2017, however we can.

“We’re delighted to sell activity tubes in Lidl GB stores that provide children with a calming activity and help them to express their feelings.

“Co-created by Crayola and Hunter Price International, the product will raise vital funds for Childline, and with the contact details on-pack, will help ensure young people have somewhere to turn when they’re ready to open up.”

Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on: 

www.childline.org.uk.

NSPCC: The importance of play as children grow up

Dear Editor,

A poll commissioned recently by the NSPCC has revealed that more than eight out of 10 UK parents believe in-person play has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing.

The YouGov survey of over 1,000 UK parents, with children aged 18 or under, also found that 62 per cent of respondents would like their children to have more time to play and almost a third (32 per cent) said playing with peers is the best way to enhance their child’s experience and promote learning and development.

Play is central to thriving childhoods.

This data highlights the benefits of all types of play, whether in-person or online, as children spend weeks away from school during the summer holidays.

The NSPCC-run service, Childline, is hearing first-hand about the challenges that some children face during this time.

Some young people tell us that they struggle to cope being out of their school routine, whilst others feel disconnected from their friends and, for some, home is not a happy environment.

Childline’s trained counsellors promote play as a helpful tool that children can use to support their wellbeing, reduce anxiety and release stress.  

Ensuring your child has a variety of different types of play,  will help them cope in difficult times, connect with others, build confidence and learn more about the world around them.

Whether it be playing a board game, football or visiting the Childline website and playing a game in our online toolbox, all types of play can be beneficial.

Children can get in touch with Childline 24/7 every day of the year on childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111.

Paul Johnson

Childline Team Manager

NSPCC Scotland

Children learn about keeping safe during Pantosaurus visit to Zoo

Families learned about keeping children safe from harm when our fun-loving dinosaur visited Edinburgh Zoo recently.

Pantosaurus, the friendly dinosaur character which fronts the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign, was joined by more than 370 people at the zoo for colouring activities and sharing the Talk PANTS messages.

This event was part of a campaign which launched in Edinburgh last October to help protect children across the city from sexual abuse.

EdinburghTalkPANTS is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland in partnership with the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and a wide range of partners across the city. to spread the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS message.

Talk PANTS was developed with children, parents, carers and teachers to help protect young children by giving parents, carers and professionals advice on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children.

Key messages are delivered to children, with help from Pantosaurus, so they understand that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

Lauren Engall, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Officer, said: “It was amazing to take Pantosaurus and Talk PANTS to Edinburgh Zoo. Many of the families recognised Pantosaurus and knew the PANTS song, so it was great to see that the message of Talk PANTS is spreading.

“Many thanks to staff from Edinburgh Zoo for having us and Pantosaurus there. The children really enjoyed spending the afternoon with our friendly and colourful dinosaur.

“Talk PANTS lets us speak to children about their rights and how to keep safe in an age-appropriate way and it was brilliant to see so many families turn up for the event. A simple conversation can make a big difference and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about.”

Other upcoming Talk PANTS events in Edinburgh include appearances at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on August 20th, the Primary School Gala Day at the Book Festival on August 22nd, and a family day at Sighthill Library on August 30th which will include a reading by popular children’s author Bruna De Luca, from her book I’m Not Cute, I’m Dangerous.

For more information about Talk PANTS, visit the , and to find out about other events taking place in Edinburgh, visit EdinburghTalkPANTS

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@NSPCC.org.uk for advice.

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that may be worrying them by calling 0800 1111 or by visiting: www.childline.org.uk

Mum climbs Pentland Skyline to raise funds for Childline in memory of her daughter

A mum whose teenage daughter died by suicide after viewing harmful content online has raised more than £4,000 for Childline by climbing the Pentland Skyline in Scotland.

Ruth Moss (52), a nurse from Edinburgh, raised the money for the NSPCC-run counselling service, which supported her daughter Sophie several times before she died.

Sophie died in 2014 aged 13 after she watched harmful content online, including material that glorified suicide.

She struggled with her mental health throughout her teenage years, and Ruth encouraged her to contact Childline when she was feeling very low or suicidal so that she could talk in confidence to someone, who was professionally trained and independent from family and teachers.

Despite living with the grief of losing her daughter, Ruth is determined to bring about something positive from her tragedy by raising money for the free counselling service, which is available to young people up to the age of 19, 24 hours a day, all year round.

Ruth completed the 16-mile route with a 5,577 ft climb with her husband Craig and two friends on Saturday, June 15. She said: “It was pretty tough. The Pentlands aren’t that high, but doing 15 hills in one go was sore on the legs.

“But it was such a positive thing to do in Sophie’s memory – as well as for an amazing charity. We took a photo of Sophie with us all the way. I hope we did her proud.”

In 2022/23, Childline delivered 105,366 counselling sessions with children across the UK where the child’s main concern was mental or emotional health, suicide or self-harm.

Ruth said: “Sophie used Childline for quite some time and while the outcome for her was tragic the service provided her with comfort, and I am so grateful to them for being there for her.”

To support Ruth visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ruth-moss-1710585841103

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is there for all young people up until their 19th birthday. Call the police on 999 if you suspect someone is in immediate danger.

Mum to climb Pentland Skyline to raise funds for Childline in memory of her daughter

A mum whose teenage daughter died by suicide after viewing harmful content online plans to walk the Pentland Skyline in Scotland this Saturday (June 15)  to raise money for Childline.

Ruth Moss (52), a nurse from Edinburgh, is raising money for the NSPCC-run counselling service, which supported her daughter Sophie several times before she died.

Sophie died in 2014 aged 13 after she watched harmful content online, including material that glorified suicide.

She struggled with her mental health throughout her teenage years, and Ruth encouraged her to contact Childline when she was feeling very low or suicidal so that she could talk to someone, in confidence, who was professionally trained and independent from family and teachers.

Despite living with the grief of losing her daughter, Ruth is determined to bring about something positive from her tragedy by raising money for the free counselling service, which is available to young people up to the age of 19, 24 hours a day, all year round.

Ruth, who plans to complete the 16-mile route with a 5,577 ft climb with her husband Craig and two friends, said: “This walk feels like a positive way of marking a tragic event. It’s happened to us, there’s nothing we can do to change that.

“But it’s comforting to know I’m helping other young people who may be struggling with their mental health in the same way that Sophie was, and it helps to keep her memory alive, which is hugely important to me.

“When you lose a child you are always wondering what they’d be doing now. I’ve watched some of her friends grow up into beautiful young women and men.

“Sophie would have turned 24 this month and I am thinking she would probably have finished university, she might have a job, where would she be living? There’s a whole future that didn’t happen for Sophie.

“I want to do something to help prevent another family from losing a child in such a tragic way.”

In 2022/23, Childline delivered 105,366 counselling sessions with children across the UK where the child’s main concern was mental or emotional health, suicide or self-harm.

Ruth said: “Sophie used Childline for quite some time and while the outcome for her was tragic the service provided her with comfort, and I am so grateful to them for being there for her.”

To support Ruth visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ruth-moss-1710585841103

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk.

Childline is there for all young people up until their 19th birthday. Call the police on 999 if you suspect someone is in immediate danger.