44% rise in calls and texts to teen helpline since 2015

Nearly a third of callers to a helpline for teenagers have suicidal thoughts, are suffering abuse, or are self- harming, it has emerged.

Teenline Ireland received a record 23,000 calls and text messages during the first six months of this year, compared to approximately 16,000 over the same period last year, a 44% rise. Around 15% of calls are made by teenagers with suicidal thoughts, while 15% are from young people suffering abuse or self-harming.

Teenline’s clinical director Niamh Hannan said teenagers from all walks of life were experiencing high levels of anxiety and low mood or depression.