Childline, a helpline run by the NSPCC, has reported a significant increase in children seeking help for anxiety. The charity released these figures to coincide with Children's Mental Health Week, emphasizing the need to address this growing issue.
Charity bosses have expressed deep concern over the rising number of children contacting Childline about their anxiety. In the first six months of 2024/25, the NSPCC -run service conducted over 6,600 counselling sessions for children struggling with anxiety, representing nearly a quarter of all counselling sessions related to mental health and well-being. These figures were released to coincide with Children's Mental Health Week, which takes place from February 3rd to 9th, 2025.
According to Childline, children cited various reasons for their anxiety, including bullying, body image concerns, and social issues such as climate change. One 11-year-old girl shared her experience: 'I'm so self-conscious about 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.'Shaun Friel, Childline Director, emphasized the gravity of the situation: 'It's deeply concerning that so many children and young people are reaching out to us because they're struggling with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure where to turn. From worries about school and bullying to the pressures of body image and fears about the future, young people are facing a range of challenges that can seriously impact their mental health and well-being.' This year's Children's Mental Health Week, organized by the children's charity Place2Be, focuses on the theme 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.' The campaign aims to empower children to develop resilience and cope with life's challenges. Place2Be is collaborating with charities Here4You and the Walt Disney Company to provide free resources and utilize characters from Disney and Pixar's 'Inside Out' and 'Inside Out 2' to engage children and families. Cecilia Corbetta, Head of Parenting at Place2Be, highlighted the importance of self-awareness: 'We're highlighting how self-awareness can make a real difference in managing feelings like anxiety. By helping children reflect on their strengths and what makes them unique, we can empower them to feel more in control and hopeful about the future.' Childline continues to offer support and guidance to young people experiencing anxiety. Shaun Friel added, 'This Children's Mental Health Week, we want every child to know that they are not alone. Childline is here to provide a safe, confidential space to talk about whatever is worrying them – at any time of the day or night.'
CHILD ANXIETY MENTAL HEALTH CHILDREN's MENTAL HEALTH WEEK CHILDLINE NSPCC WELL-BEING SUPPORT
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