500% rise in texts to Childline service
Teenagers aged 13 to 17 had 13,666 individual conversations using Childline Online’s TEENTXT service last year, compared to 2,704 in 2008.
Some of the live text conversations would involve the sending of around 15 to 20 text messages over a two-hour period.
Childline Online manager Margie Roe said the organisation was leading the way in providing web-based services for children.
She said the TEENTXT service was piloted in Co Kerry, and among children who have a hearing disability, in 2005.
Since the end of 2006, Childline has been promoting the service nationally and sponsorship from mobile phone company Meteor has helped make the technological advances needed to meet demand.
The top three issues raised by children and young people using Childline’s online service were everyday life issues (27%), peer relationships (12.5%) and family relationships (8.1%).
Other issues raised included sexuality (7.1%), abuse and violence (7%) and school-related (3.25%).
Childline Online has just over 90 volunteers; six staff members; five full-time regional supervisors and three part-time staff working 10 hours a week.
Children who text when the service is not available will get an automatic reply informing them when they will be able to contact a Childline facilitator.
Emailed contact requests are usually responded to the next day, although the young person making the request is advised that it could take up to two days.
The Childline Online statistics were released yesterday to mark International Child Helpline Day. The ISPCC also launched an information leaflet – The Safe Click Code that promotes safer use of the internet and mobile phone.
* www.childline.ie
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