The issues they face
and they are a blunt wake-up call. We must face the painful reality that many young people across Scotland and the UK feel so overwhelmed by their problems, they have considered taking their own precious lives.”
The figures are revealed today in Childline’s annual review, Not Alone Anymore. It warns that without appropriate support, many young people are shouldering their troubles alone and turning to Childline only when they reach crisis point.
But at present, Childline only have the resources to be there for three out of four young people who reach out for help.
It means some children and teenagers with suicidal thoughts may not be getting the support they desperately need, when they need it.
The NSPCC are now calling on members of the public to volunteer as Childline counsellors. By offering your time, you could help a child and even potentially save a life.
Suicide is the third most common reason for girls to contact Childline, and the fifth most common for boys.
Mental health issues, family relationships and self-harm were among the top three additional concerns mentioned during suicide counselling sessions.
Young people were most likely to be counselled about suicidal thoughts and feelings on Monday evenings, and the majority of children confided to counsellors online via the charity’s 1-2-1 chat service, or by email.
Volunteers at Childline held 2061 counselling sessions – a nine per cent increase – with actively suicidal young people from across the UK.
They had taken initial steps to take their own lives such as writing a note, giving away meaningful items or planning their death.
One 14-year-old told a counsellor: “I want to end it tonight. I’ve written a suicide note and have everything ready.”
Childline founder and president Esther Rantzen said: “Today’s tragic statistics prove that Childline are more crucial than ever and, for some, literally a lifeline. When Childline launched over 30 years ago, I remember children usually felt suicidal because they were being hurt by someone.
“Now young people tell us they are overwhelmed by mental health issues taking them to the brink of suicide.
“We must discover why so many of our young people feel so isolated that they turn to Childline because they believe no one else cares about them.”
As part of their efforts to make sure counsellors can be there for every child, Biggest concerns for young people calling Childline in Scotland Mental/emotional health - 3483 Family relationships - 1590 Suicidal thoughts/feelings - 1095 Bullying/cyberbullying - 1039 Sex/relationships/puberty/ sexual health - 1015 Problems in school/education - 861 Friendship issues - 838 Self-harm - 803 Sexual abuse and online sexual abuse - 492 Sexuality and gender - 464 the NSPCC are asking people to donate to Childline in the Light Up Christmas for Children campaign.
Elaine said: “Young people must know life is worth living and they can lead a life rich in possibilities.
“When they are suffering from problems, it’s vital they get the right help swiftly before these issues snowball into suicidal feelings or even attempts to end their lives.
“I would urge any child who is feeling this way to take that first step and talk to Childline – our counsellors are always there for them.”