Calls to Childline were 12% higher this Christmas than in 2023, the charity has revealed.
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) said over the three-day period between December 23rd and Christmas Day, 820 children called them - up 12% higher on the same period last year.
Many of the children called up to talk about issues such as abuse, suicide, bereavement and loneliness.
Childline coordinator Elizabeth Donlon Fox said staff believes St Stephen’s Day will also be busy for her team.
“Our data reveals that today, December 26th, will be one of the busiest days of the year for our team of staff and volunteers at Childline,” she said.
“We expect that over 250 children and young people will reach out to us today because of something that has happened to them over Christmas.”
A school child in uniform using his mobile phone. Picture by: Alamy.com. ISPCC CEO John Church said for many children Christmas simply “doesn’t happen”.
“They turn to Childline for support, and our amazing staff and volunteers are there for them 24/7 over Christmas, as they are throughout the year,” he said.
“We depend on donations for up to 90% of the funding which keeps us listening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.
“Without this help, we would not be able to be here for every child who needs us.”
Childline can be contacted on 1800 66 66 66.
Main image: A child uses a smartphone. Picture by: Thomas Eisenhuth.
