Coronavirus: ChildLine reveals ‘unprecedented’ demand

ChildLine has said that there has been a sharp rise in the number of calls to its helpline from distressed young people struggling to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The children’s helpline, which has provided more than 900 counselling sessions for children and young people worried about the virus, said that demand for help has been ‘unprecedented’ and has risen dramatically since schools were shut across the UK, highlighting the loss of support that school provides.

Data shows that 63 per cent of coronavirus counselling sessions were with girls, and 37 per cent were for children aged 12-15.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC children’s charity, said: “The 24/7 news cycle about coronavirus is causing huge worry and anxiety in young people – particularly those who are already coping with many other issues in their lives. While we are all facing events unprecedented in modern times, keeping children safe and providing them with a space to talk about their concerns is our number one priority.”

ChildLine staff and volunteers are considered as key workers by the government.