Surge in numbers contacing Childline during Covid crisis
‘FOR SOME CHILDREN HOME IS NOT THE HAPPY PLACE THAT IT IS FOR MANY OTHERS’
THE ISPCC has revealed that calls to its Childline helpline and the number of young people contacting the society through its website and social media channels has jumped by 25 per cent since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.
A spokesperson for the society told The Corkman that since the ongoing restrictions came into effect, in particular the closure of schools, there has been a huge surge in demand for their services from young people.
“For many young people school was a safe haven that has been taken away from them, and tensions that simmered under the surface at homes across the country up to this point have become more intense than ever before,” said the spokesperson.
“The bottom line is that, for some children, home is not the happy place that it is for many others. School provided a safety net for them, where they could confide in friends and teachers or coaches about issues.
“Those avenues are, by and large, denied to them at the moment. That is why we have been finding demand for our services increase so much in such a relatively short space of time.”
Some of the issues raised by callers to the ISPCCs Childline helpline have included increasing levels of drinking among adults in the home, and the impact this is having on their lives; abuse and violence in the home; anxiety and mental health issues; family relationships and the concerns related to COVID-19: “With families cooped up in homes every day, the lock-down has intensified strains that might have already been in place. That is why we are finding young people reaching out to us in increasing numbers,” said the ISPCC spokesperson.
“Another key issue of concern for young people is the uncertainty surrounding upcoming State exams. They are agitated and confused about the whole situation at what is arguably the most important time of their young lives.”
The spokesperson said the amount of people contacting the ISPCC by text and online has also increased dramatically as a direct result of the lock-down.
“Many of those who contact us this way have said they are concerned about their conversation being overheard at home, and this may exacerbate what is already, for them, a tense situation,” said the spokesperson.
They said that it was important for children and young people up to the age of 18 to realise that there was a non-judgemental person at the other end of the helpline or online that will treat their conversation in strict confidence.
“Even if someone thinks their problem is not of relevance, the ISPCC is always there to there to listen, help and offer advice.”
The ISPCC Childline phone service is available 24/7 on 1800 666 666. The ‘chat online service at www.childline.ie is available daily from 10am-4pm, as is the ext service on 50101. It is hoped that both the online and text service will be open around the clock within the coming days.
The ISPCC spokesperson thanked the public for their support in helping to keep the lines of communication open.
“We rely on donations for 90 per cent of our funding, so public support is essential as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many of our fundraising events being cancelled.”
Many Irish musicians including Hozier, Danny from the Coronas, Kodaline, Wild Youth Dermot Kennedy, Picture This and Gavin James have stepped up, performing gigs online with proceeds going to the ISPCC: “We are very grateful to them and everyone who has donated to help keep Childline listening. Your support helps to make a difference for children,” said the ISPCC spokesperson.
Anyone who would like to support the work of the ISPCC Childline can do so by visiting ispcc.ie/ donate-now, or texting CHILDHOOD to 50300 to donate €4.