More children seeking help for loneliness says Childline
- Published
Social media may be causing more children to struggle with loneliness, a charity has said.
The latest figures from Childline show that the service delivered 4,636 counselling sessions for loneliness in 2017/18 - compared to 4,063 the year before.
Most were teenagers but the youngest person to call with the problem was just 10 years old.
Nearly 80% of sessions went to girls. Some said watching their friends socialise without them on social media made them feel increasingly lonely.
One teenage boy told Childline: "Recently I've been feeling really isolated and alone. I see all my friends having a good time on social media and it gets me down. I feel like no one cares enough to invite me.
"My mood is getting worse and now I'm just upset all the time and can't stop crying."
Where can I get help?
If you are worried about feeling lonely, there is lots of support out there for you to get help.
Speak to an adult you trust, like a parent, guardian or a teacher.
You can also contact Childline - a counselling charity for people aged 18 and under - on 0800 1111 for free at any time.
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