- Navigation menu list for the main sections in this web site
- What we do
- Get involved
- Help and advice
- Under 18?
- Donate
Is ChildLine only for children who have been sexually abused?
No, ChildLine is for any child with any problem. Children can call ChildLine about anything that is making them unhappy. The problems children most often call us about are bullying, family relationships, physical and sexual abuse and pregnancy.
Doesn't ChildLine do more harm than good? Don't you break up families?
Quite the opposite: often our role is to act as a bridge between children and their families. Our counsellors will explore why a child has not felt able to talk to a parent or carer about their problem; they might even rehearse with the child how that conversation could go. ChildLine helps children to identify a trusted adult in their life whom they feel they could confide in.
Is ChildLine confidential?
Yes, which is one of the reasons why children feel they can trust us with problems they may never have spoken about before. Before making a referral, say to social services or the police, the counsellor will make sure that the young person understands and agrees. However, if a child's life is in danger, we do everything in our power to ensure their protection.
Has ChildLine been taken over by the NSPCC?
ChildLine joined with the NSPCC in February 2006 in order to help even more children. ChildLine’s name and 0800 1111 number will remain the same, along with the free, round-the-clock, confidential nature of the service. Joining with the NSPCC has secured the helpline for future generations of children and will help ChildLine grow to meet demand.
Is Esther Rantzen still involved with ChildLine?
Yes, very much so. Esther Rantzen founded ChildLine in 1986 and is now President of Childline and an NSPCC trustee. She represents ChildLine at campaigning and fundraising events around the UK, helping to increase awareness of children's issues and of the services we offer to young people, as well as raising vital funds.
Can children speak to ChildLine more than once?
Yes, they can call as often as they need to. Some young people ring us regularly over a period of time, often to speak to the same counsellor, for long-term help and support. One boy rang more than fifty times before he gained the courage to tell his mother of the abuse he had suffered. As a result, the abuser went to prison. Over years a number of children with very serious problems have been in contact with our counselling teams over a period of years. This was often because of protracted court proceedings.
Does ChildLine just listen to the children or actively try to help during a call?
We listen, and offer ideas. It often takes a great deal of courage for a child to contact us and calling ChildLine is a first step towards sorting out their problem. Some tell us that their ChildLine counsellor is the first adult who has ever listened to them. Whenever possible, we try to identify someone in their own life - a parent, teacher or friend - whom they can talk to. Sometimes it helps to practise with the counsellor how this conversation might go.
Do you receive many hoax calls?
Children do not call ChildLine to make false allegations against named adults. Children call to talk about their pain and distress. We have to persuade them that they have the right to safety, and give them the confidence to ask for help. No call is considered a 'hoax', even if someone seems just to be having a laugh with their friends - this child may be testing ChildLine's response, and may pluck up the courage to call again later when alone to talk about their problems.
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.