Rise in lonely children calling ChildLine

The number of lonely children counselled by ChildLine has risen by 60 per cent in five years, an NSPCC report has revealed today.

Last year nearly 10,000 calls were made to ChildLine from children saying they felt lonely. Almost one in six calls was from a child aged 11 or younger.

Eight-year-old Jessica told ChildLine: “My mum died three weeks ago and I really missed her today, because I’ve broken my arm and want mum to hold my hand. I feel lonely.”

Another caller, Jade (14) said: “My uncle raped me when I was 10. My mum still sees him and talks to him. I feel invisible. I feel unloved and like no one cares.”

Sue Minto, head of ChildLine , said: “Loneliness has always been a part of some children’s lives but it is deeply worrying that more children are contacting us because of this. The saddest part is that almost one in 10 callers have never told anyone before”

“Calls to ChildLine show that in the worst cases children become so desperate that they self-harm or even contemplate suicide. The sadness of their stories can be heartbreaking.”

“Ideally, every child would have someone in their life that they trust and can confide in. When this is not the case, ChildLine is always there to listen and support them.”

The NSPCC’s advice to parents concerned about a child being withdrawn and possibly lonely is:

• Take your child's feeling seriously; it could be a sign that something else is wrong.
• Let your child know they can always come to you with their problems.
• Everyone needs privacy and space, but children also need love, attention and to interact with people.
• Set aside times to hear about your child's day, their friends and any problems.
• Make sure your child isn't feeling isolated within the family and there are opportunities to chat and socialise together.
• Remind them that it is natural for friendships come and go and that they will make new friends.
• If your child doesn't have friends at school provide opportunities for them to make friends through shared interests such as sport and clubs.
• They may spend more time with friends than with family in their teenage years but let them know you are still there for them if they need you.
• Loneliness can affect a child's wellbeing and lead to more serious problems. If you are concerned about your child speak to your GP. Or you can encourage your child to call ChildLine on freephone 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.