Press Releases

12 May 2008

Children often don't know how to talk to their parents and other adults about their personal problems, finds a ChildLine poll launched today (12 May 2008).

Over half (54%) of the 1024 children who responded said they would feel too embarrassed to talk to an adult about a private or personal problem. Forty-nine per cent said they would not be able to find the right words. 

The poll marks the start of a national campaign by ChildLine to encourage children and young people to contact ChildLine with any problem - big or small.  Posters and other advertising will run in teen magazines and websites and on youth radio with the message that 'whatever your worry, it's better out than in'.

The campaign will also launch a new look website for children at childline.org.uk that provides more advice about typical problems children worry about and information on what would happen if they get in touch with ChildLine.

'Feeling embarrassed' is the top fear which stops teenagers from talking to an adult about their problems - picked by two in three (64%) girls and nearly half of boys aged 11 to 16.

'I can't find the right words' was the most common reason primary school children gave for not telling an adult about their problems - chosen by 51 per cent of girls and 40 per cent of boys aged 7 to 10.

When asked who they would tell about a big personal problem, 42 per cent of children said they would not talk to parents. Sadly, three in ten of all children won't tell anybody and keep their problems to themselves.

Head of ChildLine, Sue Minto said: "These findings echo the feelings of the thousands of upset and frightened children who call ChildLine every day.

"We know children can often find it embarrassing and extremely difficult to tell someone if they have a personal problem.  They worry no-one will understand their problem. They fear they won't be believed or taken seriously.

When children can't talk to their parent or other adults in their life, ChildLine gives them someone to turn to. Our counsellors understand how difficult it is for children to talk about private matters - they let the children open up at their own pace. 

"We want children to know that however big or small their problems are, if it matters to them, it matters to ChildLine. However long children need, our counsellors take the time to listen."

Nearly all the children in the poll said they felt better when they talk about their problems. Fifty-five per cent said they feel happier and 50 per cent said they feel better letting the problem out. Only a very small number felt nothing or felt worse.

Matt Collins contacted ChildLine when he was eleven. He grew up in a happy family, but knows from experience that sometimes a child needs an independent source of support.  Now aged 28, he is a ChildLine volunteer counsellor.

He says: "I know what a big difference a listening ear and reassuring words from ChildLine can make to a child who feels isolated and alone. I contacted ChildLine when I was eleven. At the time, I didn't have close friends and I was picked on for being clever, and rubbish at football.

"I would often cry at the slightest thing and I didn't understand why. My parents did their best to help, but I felt embarrassed to talk to them about this. Contacting a ChildLine counsellor was very comforting and helped me see that my emotions were okay - it made me feel stronger."

Ends

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Notes to Editors:

• The online poll of 1,024 young people (self-selecting) was carried out by SwapitShop on behalf of the NSPCC in April 2008. Seventy-five per cent of respondents were aged 11 to 16 and 25 per cent were aged 7 to 10 years old.

The young people were asked what barriers they faced when speaking to adults about both what they considered to be big and small private and personal problems.

• ChildLine on 0800 1111 is the UK's free, 24-hour helpline for children in danger or distress. Trained volunteer counsellors comfort, advise and protect children and young people. ChildLine is a service within the NSPCC since the two charities joined together in 2006. The ChildLine service is delivered in Scotland by CHILDREN 1ST on behalf of the NSPCC.
• The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children. Its vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. We seek to achieve cultural, social and political change - influencing legislation, policy, practice, attitudes and behaviours for the benefit of children and young people. For more information visit www.nspcc.org.uk.