Tag: Childline

Hundreds of Scottish children contacted Childline about anxiety last year

Anxiety emerges as most common mental health concern for children reaching out to Childline  

  • Last year Childline delivered more than 500 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland with concerns about anxiety.  
  • Causes included abuse and trauma, bullying, global concerns and body image issues.
  • This World Mental Health Day (Friday, October 10), Childline is encouraging young people to reach out to the service for support.  

Anxiety has been revealed as the main mental health concern for children and young people when receiving help from Childline.  

Last year, the NSPCC service delivered 546 counselling sessions to children in Scotland related to anxiety, representing almost a quarter (22%) of all support given for mental health issues. 

Navigating problems at school, bullying and body image concerns were some of the reasons children and young people cited for experiencing anxiety. Childline also heard that ongoing social and political issues, such as the UK riots, climate change and world conflict, were also increasing feelings of worry and concern in young people.

One primary school aged girl in Scotland told Childline: “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.”  

Another girl in Scotland, aged 15, told Childline: “I’ve been struggling with even basic tasks lately because of anxiety. I get filled with panic, can’t function and then I get angry with myself, so it gets even worse. It’s really frustrating. I want to tell someone but I’m not sure if my problems are important to anyone” Girl, 15 

Childline is a free service available to any young person in the UK. Trained counsellors are available to support with any concerns, queries or questions and can be reached via phone or through their online chat.  

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “Thousands of children are reaching out to us because they’re struggling with their mental health, in particular with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn.

“From the pressures of school and bullying to concerns about their appearance and worries about global issues, like climate change and world conflict, children are telling us they’re carrying an enormous emotional burden.  

“This World Mental Health Day, we want every young person to know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is always available. Childline is here 24/7, providing a safe, confidential space where children can talk about their anxieties, no matter how big or small they may seem.” 

To mark World Mental Health Day, the children’s charity has released a series of tips to support both children and parents or carers. The Childline website also has a host of advice for young people.  

Advice for children who may be struggling with anxiety includes:  

  1. Practice Deep Breathing: When you feel anxious, try breathing in slowly through your nose for a count of five, then exhale slowly through your mouth for another count of five. Focusing on your breath can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.  
  1. Engage in Physical Activity: Physical exercise can be a great way to improve your mood. Whether it’s going for a walk, dancing, or playing a sport, find an activity you enjoy which can help to manage anxious feelings.  
  1. Stay Present: Grounding techniques can help you stay focused on the present moment. For example, try to identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.   
  1. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to negative thoughts that may be contributing to your anxiety. Try to reframe them by focusing on positive aspects or considering alternative perspectives  
  1. Reach Out for Support: Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Talking to a trusted adult, friend, or counsellor can provide you with support and guidance. Childline is available 24/7 to offer confidential assistance whenever you need it.  

Top tips for parents to support children who may be experiencing anxiety includes:  

  1. Communicate Openly: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without judgment.   
  1. Understand the Causes: Work together to identify specific situations or thoughts that trigger your child’s anxiety. Understanding these triggers can help when developing effective coping strategies.  
  1. Promote Healthy Routines: Ensure your child maintains regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and physical activity to provide a sense of stability when they may be feeling uncertain within themselves.   
  1. Model Positive Coping Mechanisms: Demonstrate healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical exercise.   
  1. Seek Professional Support When Needed: If your child’s anxiety persists or worsens, consult with a healthcare professional or counsellor.   

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

Tartan Trailblazers raise more than £44k for Childline by trekking the Great Wall of China 

A group of fundraisers from across Scotland have returned after raising more than £44k for Childline by completing a gruelling 50km trek along the Great Wall of China. 

The group of 14 fundraisers, who dubbed themselves the “Tartan Trailblazers,” walked 10km a day for five consecutive days across steep terrain, uneven steps, and exposed conditions – all in support of children and young people who rely on Childline. 

Among the group were Angela Sloan, 63, a teacher and Childline volunteer from Glasgow, and Gemma Cutler, 22, a Childline counsellor from Aberdeen. 

Gemma said: “The trek was an amazing experience and felt so surreal! The weather was pretty extreme with temperatures reaching 24 degrees and the paths were quite steep, with lots of loose rocks and uneven terrain. 

“That made it difficult, but it was worth it for the views at the top and to raise money for Childline, of course. It was lovely to be able to accomplish something so difficult with likeminded people all for a shared cause – to support children and young people through Childline.” 

Angela said: “It was unlike anything I have ever done before. The scale of the Wall was breathtaking and to feel the history beneath my feet made it unforgettable. 

“The terrain was tough: steep climbs, loose rocks and relentless heat. There were moments of exhaustion, of course, but also laughter, camaraderie, and reflection.  

“What kept us going was knowing that every step was helping Childline continue to be there for children who need someone to talk to. That purpose gave the whole experience real meaning.” 

The trek, organised through Charity Challenge, followed the winding path of the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway, including the famous ‘heavenly staircase’ — a steep climb with dramatic views and unpredictable weather. 

Arlene Main, Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the Tartan Trailblazers. Their determination, teamwork, and generosity will make a real difference to children and young people across Scotland.  

“Their efforts are truly inspiring and its thanks to people like them that we can continue our work ensuring children are safe from abuse and neglect. Every step they took helps ensure Childline can continue to be there — day or night — for those who need someone to talk to.” 

Funds raised will support the NSPCC’s Childline service. To donate, visit the group’s JustGiving page. 

Young people looking for support can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.  

Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk. 

Childline counsellor to trek Great Wall of China to raise money for NSPCC

A Childline counsellor from Aberdeen is gearing up to walk 50km along the Great Wall of China next month to raise funds for Childline.  

Gemma Cutler, 22, has volunteered with Childline for over two years. She will join a group of 18 fellow fundraisers on the epic challenge. 

Dubbing themselves the ‘Tartan Trailblazers’ the group will set off in late September and will walk 10km on five consecutive days along the iconic site, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They will navigate steep terrain and thousands of uneven steps in aid of the NSPCC-run service. 

Gemma is a recent graduate from Aberdeen University, with degrees in Psychology with Counselling Skills, and Autism & Learning. She is currently working as an education support worker at Linn Moor Residential School.  

She said: “I’ve spoken to many young people through Childline and I know how important it is for them to have a safe space to talk about their feelings and be listened to without judgement. 

“Childline believes that everyone matters. That’s why I’m taking on this challenge—to help ensure the service can continue to be there for children who need support, whenever they need it.” 

Gemma became involved with Childline after hearing her mother talk about her experience as a Childline volunteer. She saw advertisements online looking for volunteers and decided to sign up and says the experience has been both rewarding and eye-opening. 

She added: “It’s a privilege to be part of something that makes such a difference. Every donation helps Childline continue to offer that lifeline to children who may have nowhere else to turn. 

“I have already raised more than £3,000 on JustGiving and I would just like to thank everyone who has donated. It’s amazing that so many people have dug deep for such an amazing cause, and it will encourage me to keep going – even during the toughest moments.” 

The trek, organised through travel firm Charity Challenge, will follow the winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway, including the famous ‘heavenly staircase’—a steep climb with dramatic views and exposed conditions. 

Participants will face early starts, basic overnight accommodation, and unpredictable weather, with rain, wind and sun all possible during the five-day journey. 

Funds raised will go towards supporting NSPCC services, including Childline’s free counselling for children, the adult Helpline for reporting concerns about a child and to get parenting advice and support, and educational programmes such as Talk PANTS and Speak Out Stay Safe, which aim to prevent abuse and neglect. 

To donate, please visit Gemma’s JustGiving page.  

Young people looking for support can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.

Adults with concerns about a child can contact Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.

Police Scotland joins forces with Childline to support young people in custody

Children in police custody in Glasgow are being offered confidential support from Childline as part of a new initiative. The project, being run by the NSPCC, the children’s charity which delivers Childline, and Police Scotland, provides children in custody with information about the support service and offers them the chance to talk confidentially to a counsellor. 

Young people who find themselves in custody in Glasgow are being offered to call Childline, where experienced counsellors can give them advice and emotional support in a confidential setting. This is to help the young person through a difficult time and try to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. 

During the 10-week pilot period in Glasgow, 97% of the 107 young people brought into custody accepted the Childline leaflet. 

The initiative was originally launched in Merseyside in September 2023, before being rolled out in Cheshire in March 2024. 

Approximately 2,500 young people aged 10 to 17 and 1,000 18-year-olds in Merseyside and Cheshire have been told about the support available from Childline or seen a poster or leaflet with information about Childline. 

Being taken into police custody can be a frightening experience for young people, and many of those who have contacted Childline told counsellors they felt scared and alone. 

One 14-year-old told Childline*: “I’m in police custody again after arguing with my parents. It got violent, and they called the police.

“I’ll be released soon and I’m too scared to go home but I can’t leave my siblings there without my protection. Can you help me?”  

An 18-year-old said*: “It’s not my first time in custody and one of the hard things is it reminds you how alone you are. I was meant to speak to my young person’s advisor today but missed it because I’m in here.

“She’s all I have, and I know she’s so close on giving up on me. I know I’m not coping and need options, but I don’t have anyone else to turn to.” 

The idea for the scheme came from Deborah Rigby, a retired Merseyside police officer, who is now a supervisor at Childline in Liverpool.

Through her work she realised that many young people who came into custody would benefit from the support that Childline offered. She approached Merseyside Police, and they saw the potential in a collaboration with Childline, then they worked together to make it happen.

When a young person comes into custody, they are given the opportunity to receive emotional support, but they do not always take it because the offer has come from the police. This often results in young people being released without receiving the additional support they may need, which can increase the likelihood of reoffending.

It is hoped that young people will be more likely to accept a confidential call to Childline when they are in custody, and this could provide the first step towards breaking the cycle of reoffending.  

Assistant Chief Constable for Police Scotland Criminal Justice Services Division, Wendy Middleton said: “We welcome this initiative which has been providing additional support to young people who come into custody in Glasgow.

“We look forward to rolling this out nationally and ensuring that the same support is available across Scotland.

“We acknowledge that police custody can be a daunting and traumatic experience, particularly for children and young people.  It is important that they can speak to someone in confidence who can listen to them and potentially help to address wider problems that they are experiencing. Childline is a valuable partner in this regard.”

Adeniyi Alade, NSPCC Scotland Helplines Service Head, who is based at the Childline call centre in Aberdeen, said: “This partnership allows us to reach young people who may feel vulnerable and need someone to talk to for advice at what might be a very difficult time.

“There are many reasons a young person comes to be in police custody and it’s important they are given all the support they need.

“While we are working with the police, the support we offer young people will be completely confidential. As with all calls to Childline, our support will be independent, and the police will not be made aware of it.”

During the pilot period, children and young people up to the age of 17 brought into police custody were offered a call with a Childline counsellor.  

It is hoped that the initiative will be rolled out across Scotland after the NSPCC has assessed its impact in Glasgow. 

The police custody centre at London Road, Glasgow, includes six cells which have been modified and decorated to improve the environment when children are detained.  Cells have been painted with murals and have chalkboards, jigsaw puzzles, soft toys, books and posters to create a calming experience during a stressful time.  

In addition, London Road has a separate discrete charge area with a lower height charge bar for processing children and young people, and other vulnerable detainees.  

The transformation of London Road custody centre has acted as a pilot for the modernisation of several other children’s custody suites, which includes Police Scotland’s primary custody facility for Glasgow in Cathcart. 

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.

*Snapshots are based on real Childline service users but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child or young person involved.

Councillor jailed for child sex abuse

A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 months in prison and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years after being convicted of sexual offences against a teenage girl.

David Graham, a local authority councillor, had been found guilty on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025, following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

The offences took place at various locations in Fife and Edinburgh between February and August, 2023.

Detective Inspector Graham Watson, of the child abuse investigation unit in Glenrothes, said: “Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim. He was well-known and abused his position of power when the offending took place.

“We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it.

“Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Graham held a position of trust and authority in the community which he chose to exploit to groom and sexually abuse a vulnerable teenage girl. She has shown immense courage in helping to ensure that Graham faced justice for his crimes.

“It is now vital she gets the support she needs to move forward with her life. No matter how long ago it happened or who the perpetrator was, we would urge victims of sexual abuse to reach out for help with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported. 

“Childline is available 24/7 for any child or young person who needs someone to speak to by calling 0800 1111 or visiting childline.org.uk.

“Adults with concerns over the wellbeing of a child and victims of abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline for support and advice on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk.” 

Childline joins forces with Police Scotland to support young people in custody

Children in police custody in Glasgow are being offered confidential support from Childline as part of a new initiative. 

The project, being run by the NSPCC, the children’s charity which delivers Childline, and Police Scotland, provides children in custody with information about the support service and offers them the chance to talk confidentially to a counsellor. 

Young people who find themselves in custody in Glasgow are being offered to call Childline, where experienced counsellors can give them advice and emotional support in a confidential setting. This is to help the young person through a difficult time and try to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. 

During the 10-week pilot period in Glasgow, 97% of the 107 young people brought into custody accepted the Childline leaflet. 

The initiative was originally launched in Merseyside in September 2023, before being rolled out in Cheshire in March 2024. 

Approximately 2,500 young people aged 10 to 17 and 1,000 18-year-olds in Merseyside and Cheshire have been told about the support available from Childline or seen a poster or leaflet with information about Childline. 

Being taken into police custody can be a frightening experience for young people, and many of those who have contacted Childline told counsellors they felt scared and alone. 

One 14-year-old told Childline*: “I’m in police custody again after arguing with my parents. It got violent, and they called the police. I’ll be released soon and I’m too scared to go home but I can’t leave my siblings there without my protection. Can you help me?”  

An 18-year-old said*: “It’s not my first time in custody and one of the hard things is it reminds you how alone you are. I was meant to speak to my young person’s advisor today but missed it because I’m in here. She’s all I have, and I know she’s so close on giving up on me. I know I’m not coping and need options, but I don’t have anyone else to turn to.” 

The idea for the scheme came from Deborah Rigby, a retired Merseyside police officer, who is now a supervisor at Childline in Liverpool. 

Through her work she realised that many young people who came into custody would benefit from the support that Childline offered. She approached Merseyside Police, and they saw the potential in a collaboration with Childline, then they worked together to make it happen. 

When a young person comes into custody, they are given the opportunity to receive emotional support, but they do not always take it because the offer has come from the police. This often results in young people being released without receiving the additional support they may need. 

Assistant Chief Constable for Police Scotland Criminal Justice Services Division, Wendy Middleton said: “We welcome this initiative which has been providing additional support to young people who come into custody in Glasgow. We look forward to rolling this out nationally and ensuring that the same support is available across Scotland. 

“We acknowledge that police custody can be a daunting and traumatic experience, particularly for children and young people.  It is important that they can speak to someone in confidence who can listen to them and potentially help to address wider problems that they are experiencing. Childline is a valuable partner in this regard.”

Adeniyi Alade, NSPCC Scotland Helplines Service Head, who is based at the Childline call centre in Aberdeen, said: “This partnership allows us to reach young people who may feel vulnerable and need someone to talk to for advice at what might be a very difficult time. There are many reasons a young person comes to be in police custody and it’s important they are given all the support they need.

“While we are working with the police, the support we offer young people will be completely confidential. As with all calls to Childline, our support will be independent, and the police will not be made aware of it.”

During the pilot period, children and young people up to the age of 17 brought into police custody were offered a call with a Childline counsellor.  

It is hoped that the initiative will be rolled out across Scotland after the NSPCC has assessed its impact in Glasgow. 

The police custody centre at London Road, Glasgow, includes six cells which have been modified and decorated to improve the environment when children are detained.  Cells have been painted with murals and have chalkboards, jigsaw puzzles, soft toys, books and posters to create a calming experience during a stressful time.  

In addition, London Road has a separate discrete charge area with a lower height charge bar for processing children and young people, and other vulnerable detainees.  

The transformation of London Road custody centre has acted as a pilot for the modernisation of several other children’s custody suites, which includes Police Scotland’s primary custody facility for Glasgow in Cathcart. 

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

Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.  

Childline hearing from young people with concerns about body image and eating disorders

NSPCC service, Childline, is hearing from young people who have concerns about their body image and eating disorders.

Statistics 

  • In 2024/25, Childline delivered 3,421 counselling sessions where the main concern was eating/body image disorders. 
  • During the same time, Childline delivered almost 1,000 counselling sessions where a young person mentioned body image issues. 
  • Childline delivered over 970 counselling sessions where a young person mentioned calorie and/or food restriction.  
  • A child’s age was known in 73% of counselling sessions about eating/body image disorders. Of these, almost two thirds (59%) were with young people aged 12-15, 35% of counselling sessions were with children aged 16-18, while 6% were with children aged 11 and under. 

Key Concerns 

In counselling sessions on body image and eating disorders, the main topics that children mentioned include:  

  • Body image issues  
  • Calorie and food restriction 
  • Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa 
  • Weight concerns 
  • Accessing support and services  
  • Binge eating  
  • Purging  
  • ARFID (Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)  
  • Over-exercising  

24-year-old Lauren* from Glasgow, whose name has been changed to protect her identity*, said: “From as young as five, I was having body image insecurities. I would look at different parts of my body and think it wasn’t good enough or try to measure the size of my stomach.  

“When I got to secondary school my eating disorder habits started, and I began to manipulate my food intake.  

“Restricting my food intake was a way of staying in control. I would have juice and water throughout the day in school and then go home and have my dinner so no one would notice. I was trying to be as secretive about it as possible.  

“When I was at university and the pressure started to build academically, I felt I needed to put more discipline into my routine and that included food, exercise and weight loss. I started calorie counting and restricting my food intake again.  

“I ended up unconscious after a night out due to the impact on my body from not eating, alongside drinking alcohol. The next day my friend booked me a doctor’s appointment, came with me and spoke on my behalf because she was so worried.  

“Then I was admitted to an NHS specialised treatment programme for eating disorders. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the service very helpful and eventually sought private support instead.  

“This is when I found a coaching programme which is carried out by someone who has been through the process of eating disorder recovery themselves and is action focused.  

“I know how to protect myself now and I am much better than I ever thought I would be. I’m not fully recovered yet, but I would say I am 90% of the way there and I believe it’s possible.  

“My advice to anyone struggling with disordered eating or body image concerns, is that if people only found you interesting or only liked you because you could shrink your body, then they’re not the type of people that you need to have in your life anyway.”  

Snapshots  

Body image issues 

“I hate my body. I wish it was more muscly, more manly. I go to the gym loads but I still feel uncomfortable in there knowing how small I look to everyone” Boy, 15, Childline, Scotland 

Binge eating 

“Home is so stressful, I feel like none of us get on anymore. When I can’t take it anymore, I end up binge eating and it’s been going on so long that I’ve gained a lot of weight. I’m so tired of it all but I feel like it’s only going to get worse” Girl, 15, Scotland 

Calorie and/or food restriction (undiagnosed) 

“It started a few months ago, seeing other girls’ bodies in PE made me feel so fat besides them. I tried to ask my mum about losing weight and she was a bit dismissive, so I knew I needed to tackle it myself. I put myself on very low calories, which is working, but I have been fainting, feeling really exhausted, and stopped focusing at school. I think I know this isn’t the right way to do it, but is it that bad if no one has even noticed I’m doing it yet?” Girl, 16, Childline  

Purging (e.g. vomiting and laxatives)  

“This girl at school would always call me fat. My friends are all skinny, the girls I see on TikTok are skinny. I started purging and skipping meals last year and I’m finally skinny, but mum finally noticed and gets angry when I don’t eat properly. I can’t go back to eating 3 meals a day again, I can’t go back to being fat” Girl, 12, Childline 

Overexercising 

“It’s got to the point where I feel I can’t control myself. I didn’t want to be that ‘fat’ boy anymore, so I started working out and running. I started doing it every day, then twice a day, then at lunch times and now I even sneak out at night to exercise. I know I have a problem, but I’m scared my family will make me stop all together if I tell them what’s going on.” Boy, 15, Childline

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “With the warm weather continuing and families planning their summer holidays, young people might be finding themselves in positions where they feel anxious about their body image.  

“To cope, some young people are taking drastic measures, such as restricting their food intake or purging once they have eaten. Some children tell us that unrealistic beauty standards are affecting their wellbeing and self-worth, with many comparing themselves to others, such as classmates and influencers in the media.   

“Childline wants every young person to know that whatever they’re going through our trained counsellors are here to listen without judgment.

“No child should struggle alone with these feelings, and seeking help is always a sign of strength, not weakness.” 

Tips for parents  

  1. Model positive body talk: Be mindful of how you speak about your own body and others’ bodies in front of your children. Avoid negative comments about weight, appearance, or comparing yourself to others, as children often copy what they hear. 
  1. Focus conversations on health and wellbeing, not appearance: When discussing food and exercise, emphasise feeling strong, energetic, and healthy rather than looking a certain way. Celebrate what bodies can do rather than just how they look. 
  1. Take concerns seriously and listen without judgment: If your child expresses worries about their body or eating habits, avoid dismissing their feelings or saying, “you look fine.” Listen carefully and offer support, seeking professional help if needed. 
  1. Discuss what they see in the media: Help your child understand that images online and in media are often edited or unrealistic. Encourage critical thinking about what they see and limit exposure to content that promotes unrealistic beauty standards. 
  1. Watch for warning signs: Be alert to changes in your child’s eating habits, mood, exercise patterns, or social withdrawal. Early intervention is important, so don’t hesitate to seek professional support if you notice concerning behaviours around food or body image. Adults can contact our NSPCC Helpline with any concerns about a child. 

Tips for children and young people  

  1. Remember that social media isn’t real life: Photos and videos online are often edited, filtered, or show just one perfect moment. What you see doesn’t represent how people actually look or live every day. 
  1. Focus on what your body can do, not just how it looks: Your body is amazing at so many things like dancing, hugging friends, creating art, or playing sports. Try to appreciate all the incredible things it helps you accomplish. 
  1. Talk to someone you trust: If you’re feeling worried about your body or food, speak to a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or contact Childline. You don’t have to deal with these feelings alone. 
  1. Be kind to yourself: Try to speak to yourself the same way you would speak to a good friend. Would you tell a friend they look terrible? Practice being gentle and encouraging with yourself too. 
  1. Limit comparing yourself to others: Everyone’s body is different and that’s completely normal. Instead of comparing, try to celebrate what makes you unique and focus on being healthy and happy rather than looking like someone else. 

Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on www.childline.org.uk   

Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. 

Former teacher jailed for child sexual abuse offences

A 72-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to several non-recent sexual abuse offences at the High Court in Glasgow.
​
William Bain from Crieff offended over a 21-year-period between 1978 to 1999.

An investigation was launched in 2021 following evidence heard at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
​
As part of the investigation, 11 victims were identified, aged between 11 and 14. The offences occurred at various locations including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dumbarton.
​
In October 2022, Bain was arrested by officers.

Detective Sergeant Alan Macdougall said: “Bain is a prolific sexual predator. He used his position of power to inflict pain and harm on his young victims. The scale of his offending is horrendous.
​
“I would like to commend those involved in the investigation for speaking to us. The impact of such crimes is deeply felt and long lasting and I understand how difficult it is to relive such horror.
​
“We remain committed to tackling all forms of sexual crimes, regardless of when they occurred. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward, knowing we will fully investigate and you will be supported by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “The men in this case who Bain targeted as young boys have shown incredible bravery in coming forward to give evidence and help bring him to justice. after living with the impact of his abuse for many years.

“As a teacher Bain held a position of trust, which he grossly exploited for more than two decades to sexually abuse boys in his care. 

“Child sexual abuse can have a profound and long-lasting impact on victims, and it is vital they feel able to speak out and can receive the specialist support they need to help them move forwards with their lives.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for help and advice or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children can contact Childline for help and support on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk.

Thousands of children are turning to Childline to seek help for anger issues  

  • New Childline data shows the service delivered 2,895 counselling sessions to young people struggling with anger issues, a 6 per cent increase from the previous year 
  • This Mental Health Awareness Week, the NSPCC is encouraging children to process their anger in a healthy way and contact Childline if they need to talk 

Thousands of children and young people have received support from Childline for anger issues over the past year. 

New data shows that the NSPCC-service delivered close to 3,000 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK about the issue, online and over the phone, which is a 6 per cent increase on the previous 12 months. 

The rise in contacts on the topic has made anger issues a top ten mental health concern for all genders contacting the service. This data gives insight into a generation increasingly struggling to manage and regulate their emotions in the face of a range of pressures at home, school, online and in the community. 

This Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12 to 18), Childline is offering advice in dealing with these emotions in a healthy way.  

One 13-year-old girl from Scotland told Childline: “I get so mad and annoyed about little things. It takes all my energy to control and hide it. I try shutting myself in my room when I feel it happening, but then mum thinks it’s her fault. Is there anything else I can try?”  

Counselling sessions delivered by Childline reveal several recurring themes when children are discussing anger.  

Some are aggressively criticising themselves, while some often experience frustration with parents and peers following disagreements. Others are struggling to regulate their emotions during challenging situations.  

One boy from Scotland, aged 15, confided to Childline: “Games usually help me relax but lately I’m getting really frustrated with them. It makes me feel so stupid, being this angry about a game or wound up over laggy internet.”  

Adeniyi Alade, Childline service head, based in the Aberdeen Childline centre, said: “At Childline, we hear from children every day about the emotional challenges and difficult situations they are facing. Sometimes they tell us they feel stressed and angry, and they need our support to help process their feelings in a constructive way.   

“Young people face so many different pressures in today’s world – from family disagreements at home, to arguments with friends or classmates at school and online. As a result, they can struggle to manage and deal with difficult emotions. 

“This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are here to let children know there are so many healthy ways to express their feelings and our counsellors are here to provide a safe and confidential space to help them to learn vital skills for their mental wellbeing.” 

As well as encouraging children to contact Childline, the service has been working with children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, to release advice to both young people and parents on how to manage anger issues and look after their mental wellbeing.   

 Tips for Children on Looking After Their Mental Health:   

1.   Talk to someone you trust: Whether it’s a parent, teacher, friend or Childline (0800 1111), sharing how you feel can help.   

2.   Find healthy outlets for emotions: Try physical activities, creative expression, journaling, or relaxation techniques.   

3.   Take care of your body: Regular sleep, healthy food, and exercise all support good mental health.   

4.   Practice mindfulness: Take time each day to focus on your breathing and notice how you’re feeling.   

5.   Create a feel-good toolkit: Identify activities, people, and places that help you feel calm and happy when you’re struggling.   

Tips for Parents on Supporting Children’s Mental Health:  

1.   Create regular check-in times: Establish consistent opportunities for conversations about feelings, perhaps during dinner, car rides, or before bedtime.  

2.   Use open-ended questions: Ask “How are you feeling today?” rather than questions that can be answered with just “yes” or “no.”  

3.   Model healthy emotional expression: Show children how you manage your own emotions in a constructive way.  

4.   Look for changes in behaviour: Notice shifts in sleeping patterns, appetite, social withdrawal, or increased irritability which may signal emotional struggles.  

5.   Normalise seeking help: Talk positively about therapy, counselling, and support services.   

Dr Rebecca Kirkbride, Clinical Director at Place2Be, said: “At Place2Be, we know that learning to express and process emotions healthily during childhood builds resilience and establishes positive coping mechanisms that serve young people throughout their lives.

“The rise in children seeking support for issues related to anger, as highlighted by Childline’s data, demonstrates the importance of early intervention and teaching children healthy ways to process emotions.  

“By creating safe spaces where young people feel heard and validated, we can help them develop the emotional vocabulary and self-regulation skills needed to navigate complex feelings, without expressing feelings through angry or aggressive behaviour – which may have implications for themselves or others around them.” 

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

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.  

More than 3,000 child sexual abuse image crimes recorded by Police Scotland in past five years

  • NSPCC sends letter to Home Secretary and DSIT Secretary of State urging action to strengthen Ofcom’s current approach to private messaging.
  • Other signatories include Barnardo’s and the Marie Collins Foundation

The NSPCC is urging the UK Government to ensure children are better protected in private messaging environments, as Scottish Government data reveals that 3,419 child sexual abuse crimes have been recorded by Police Scotland since 2019.

In the last two years they have reached record levels, with more than 700 offences being logged each year (748 in 2023/24 and 765 in 2022/23).

A separate Freedom of Information request submitted to police forces across the UK by the NSPCC showed that where law enforcement recorded the platform used by perpetrators, exactly half (50%) took place on Snapchat and a quarter on Meta products – 11% on Instagram, 7% on Facebook and 6% on WhatsApp[1]. 

In response, a joint letter from charities, including the NSPCC, Marie Collins Foundation, Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse, and Barnardo’s, has been sent to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Peter Kyle.

The letter expresses collective concern regarding Ofcom’s final Illegal Harms Code of Practice published in December 2024. The charities argue that as it stands, children will not be protected from the worst forms of abuse on private messaging services under Ofcom’s plans, despite this being a core aim of the Online Safety Act.

Ofcom has stated that user-to-user services are only required to remove illegal content where it is ‘technically feasible’. This exception creates an unacceptable loophole, allowing some services to avoid delivering the most basic protections for children.

Data from police forces on the number of recorded offences where the platform was known indicates private messaging sites are involved in more crimes than any other type of platform, with perpetrators exploiting the secrecy offered by these spaces to harm children and go undetected.

The NSPCC wants the UK Government to push Ofcom to review and strengthen their most recent codes of practice on tackling this threat to children’s safety online.

The charity is also calling for private messaging services, including those using end-to-end encryption, to make sure there are robust safeguards in place to ensure their platforms do not act as a ‘safe haven’ for perpetrators of child sexual abuse.  

End-to-end encryption is a secure communication system where only communicating users can participate. This means that service providers can be blinded to child sexual abuse material being shared through their platform.

Aoife, 21, from East Kilbride, an NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate, has shared her advice to any children who experience online harms.

Aoife was exploited online when she was 15 by a man, she met online on Yubo. He pretended to be a teenager around her age and convinced her to download another app, Telegram, and then asked her to send him images of herself. Then he blackmailed her with these, threatening to share them with all her friends and family on Facebook, to control her behaviour.

When his demands became increasingly intense and frightening, Aoife recalled being told about the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) at school and reported the images. Through this, her school and then her parents were informed and supported her with reporting what happened to the police. The perpetrator was eventually sentenced in 2022 following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

She said: “If a young person is asked to share an explicit image of themselves with someone online, I would say don’t do it! You might want to and think you know what you are doing, and that you’ll be safe but if you met them online you don’t know who that person is. For all you know they could be the opposite of who they say they are, so I would say – just don’t do it. It’s not worth the risk.

“If a young person has shared an image and they are being threatened tell someone you trust whether that’s a parent, teacher or neighbour because they will look out for you and help.

“I would also say to anyone who experiences this – it’s not your fault. You are the victim. You might be thinking how could I be so silly and put myself in this position but when you are young it’s perfectly normal to make mistakes – you’re still learning – so don’t be hard on yourself. You have been taken advantage of, and they are to blame, not you.”

Insight from NSPCC counselling service, Childline, provides further evidence of how young people are being targeted or blackmailed to share child abuse images via the calculated use of private messaging apps.

Last year, Childline delivered 903 counselling sessions to children and young people relating to blackmail or threats to expose or share sexual images online. This was a 7% increase compared to 2022/23.

Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “It is deeply alarming to see thousands of child sexual abuse image crimes recorded by Police Scotland in the past five years. These offences cause tremendous harm and distress to children, with much of this illegal material being repeatedly shared and viewed online. It is an outrage that in 2025 we are still seeing a blatant disregard from tech companies to prevent this illegal content from proliferating on their sites.

“Having separate rules for private messaging services lets tech bosses off the hook from putting robust protections for children in place.

“This enables crimes to continue to flourish on their platforms even though we now have the Online Safety Act.

“The Government must set out how they will take a bold stand against abuse on private messaging services and hold tech companies accountable for keeping children safe, even if it requires changes to the platform’s design – there can be no excuse for inaction or delay. “