ChildLine report finds more children seeking support for cyberbullying

A report by ChildLine reveals a marked increase in the number of children and young people contacting the charity seeking support on issues including cyberbullying, self- harm and suicide.

The report, Can I Tell You Something?, draws from the experiences of 278,886 children and young people in the UK counselled by ChildLine in 2012-13.

Findings include:

    An 87 per cent rise in contact relating to cyberbullying. Young people told ChildLine that online bullying can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem and in a few cases, suicide.
    The number of young people contacting ChildLine about self-harm rose by 41 per cent compared to 2011-12. Where age was known, 70 per cent of the contacts received about self-harm came from young people aged 12-15.
    A 33 per cent increase in young people talking about suicidal thoughts and feelings. For 16-18 year olds, suicide was the third most common reason to contact the charity. While 17 year olds are the age group most commonly affected by issues relating to suicide, the biggest year-on-year increase was among 12-15 year olds.

ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19. The charity has supported over 3.2 million children and young people since its launch in 1986.

To read the report, visit: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/news-and-views/latest-news/2014/childline-report/can-i-tell-you-something_wda100359.html