A free, confidential line where a young person is simply heard — Childline delivers over 160,000 counselling sessions a year, no problem too small.
The situation, the move, the outcome.
Childline, run by the NSPCC, offers free, confidential counselling for anyone under 19 in the UK by phone, online chat or email, plus self-help tools and peer support on its site. In 2024/25 it delivered 162,018 counselling sessions, with mental and emotional health the leading topic. Its 'enhanced counselling model' blends established therapeutic techniques so counsellors can do more than listen — helping young people feel heard and take positive steps.
Why it matters beyond one family.
Like 988 and Crisis Text Line in the US, Childline shows the value of an always-available, no-judgment channel built specifically for young people, who often won't open up to adults they know first.
How to apply it.
- Make sure your teen knows a confidential helpline exists for any problem, big or small.
- Frame reaching out as normal and brave, not a last resort.
- Know your country's equivalent line and save it in their phone.
Concrete next steps.
- In the UK, Childline: 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.
- In the US, 988 (call/text) and Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
- Pair helplines with ongoing, open conversation at home.
Read it for yourself.
- NSPCC Learning — Childline and NSPCC Helpline statistics learning.nspcc.org.uk ↗
- NSPCC — about Childline nspcc.org.uk ↗
- NSPCC Learning — enhancing the Childline counselling model learning.nspcc.org.uk ↗
In the US: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7) or text HOME to 741741. In the UK: Childline 0800 1111. For immediate danger, call your local emergency number.