Helpline shocked at surge in calls from children

CHILDLINE has expressed concern over a large increase in the number of children calling with serious problems affecting their personal safety.

The service had 11% more calls from children suffering abuse or other harm last year – an increase that contributed to a shocking 25% rise in the overall number of calls made.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was “astounded” by the increases that brought the total number of calls to its service to 815,708.