Be honest with yourself. How would you feel if you found out your child had called Childline or used it’s text or live messaging service?
If the answer is horrified/dismayed/upset/confused, we get it. There is a misconception that if a child calls Childline it must mean that they are in some form of deep distress or crisis, that they have nowhere else to turn and that something has gone very wrong in their lives.
Occasionally, that is the case.
But more often than not, children and young people get in touch for much more mundane, but equally valid, reasons.
They’re bored, they’re lonely, they had a fight with you, they’re sick of being stuck at home, they’re worried about exams. We’re happy to talk to young people about ANYTHING that’s on their mind.
The main aim of our service is to listen, believe and support the young person at the other end of the chat. Our focus is on resilience – empowering them to find the solution that’s right for them.
Childline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s free, confidential and non-judgemental. Sometimes children just want to chat to someone who doesn’t know everything about them. The hope is that they will turn to you when they’re ready but in the meantime, we’re happy to listen and help them understand whatever it is they’re going through.
