The ISPCC’s Childline service, along with other child helplines across the globe, is marking the seventh annual International Child Helpline Day and celebrating the vital role of child helplines in listening to and supporting children. In marking this important day, the ISPCC has announced Childline’s annual statistics for 2012. The statistics clearly show the importance of Childline with almost 800,000 calls received in 2012.
It is clear that the issues of child abuse and welfare are still serious concerns in Ireland today with more than 14 per cent of contacts made relating to these issues. Bullying also remains a serious concern with some 10,000 contacts from young people specifically related to bullying.
Childline is the only 24 hour listening service for children in Ireland. This 24 hour element has proved to be a vital lifeline for children across Ireland as more than 80 per cent of contacts made to Childline are out of hours.
Breakdown of key statistics in 2012: more than 34 per cent of calls still going unanswered; 771,301 calls received; 23,726 texts, emails, and one-to-one web chats received.
CEO Ashley Balbirnie said: “Without helplines like Childline, children’s voices would not be heard. Childline receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of corporate partners and members of the public to maintain the service. ISPCC would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated, enthusiastic, volunteers throughout the country for their commitment and support, without them we would not be able to provide a helpline for children.”
