Childline, today (St Stephen’s Day), has revealed that 820 children and young people contacted Ireland’s only 24-hour listening service during Christmas, representing a 12% increase in connections made this year compared with Christmas 2023.
The organisation said that data compiled over a three-day Christmas period (Dec 23rd - 25th) shows that for many children, Christmas is not a time of joy but one of fear and misery as they contact Childline to talk about topics including suicide; abuse; neglect; bereavement; and loneliness.
According to the ISPCC, there has been a noticeable trend over the last year whereby those children engaging with Childline are at extremely high risk of harm.
However, such stark revelations are said to come as no surprise to the dedicated team of staff and volunteers at ISPCC.
Elizabeth Donlon Fox, National Childline Listening Co-ordinator said: “Our data reveals that today, December 26th, will be one of the busiest days of the year for our team of staff and volunteers at Childline, and we expect that over 250 children and young people will reach out to us today because of something that has happened to them over Christmas.”
John Church, CEO, ISPCC said: “For too many children and young people, Christmas simply doesn’t happen. They turn to Childline for support, and our amazing staff and volunteers are there for them 24/7 over Christmas, as they are throughout the year.
“We depend on donations for up to 90% of the funding which keeps us listening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. Without this help, we would not be able to be here for every child who needs us.”
Additional statistics from Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children and young people reveal:
To help Childline help those children whose Christmas dreams have turned to nightmares, go to ispcc.ie.
