Childline says it received more than 1,200 calls, texts and messages from children and young people on Christmas Day.

The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children's listening service says almost three quarters of contacts were from boys and young males.

National Childline Manager Margie Roe said that does not surprise her:

Childline says the volume of calls and messages highlights the fact that Christmas can be a difficult time for many children.

Margie Roe also explained, "children contacted Childline on Christmas Day for a variety of reasons but the majority of calls this year were from children who were experiencing family difficulties and mental health issues. 

"While Childline will not be able to solve all of these children’s issues and concerns on Christmas Day, what we can and will continue to do is listen to, believe and empower them and most importantly of all we will show these children that we care," she added.

Earlier this week, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) and the ISPCC/Childline announced a funding agreement which will ensure the Childline service stays open 24 hours a day.

Recently, the ISPCC had warned that funding difficulties in the organisation could force the closure of overnight services.

In October of this year Childline issued an emergency appeal seeking funding of €1.2m to cover a funding deficit. The organisation said if it did not get this funding the night-time service would be unable to remain open in 2015.

Childline said a combination of corporate and public donations had reached €400,000, with an additional €300,000 pledged.

On Monday the ISPCC said it had agreed on funding for two years with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

The agreement will also see the ISPCC work with the department in supporting developments in the area of child protection.

Originally posted at 10.33am