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Coping With Loneliness

Recently Children have been calling ChildLine due to the feelings loneliness and isolation. If you are worried about any Child get some advice. Useful Links: Childline 24-hour helpline: 0800 1111 NSPCC. There has been a 60% rise in the number of children contacting ChildLine about the feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Last year nearly 10,000 calls were made to ChildLine, equal to one every hour, from children saying they felt lonely. Almost one in ten callers said they had never told anyone before.

The majority of callers were girls aged 11 or younger. Although loneliness is associated with bullying and abuse and will increase those feelings of isolation, other cause such as depression, bereavement and school problems have also been highlighted.

Head of ChildLine, Sue Minto said:

"Loneliness has always been a part of some children's lives but it is deeply worrying that more children are contacting us about this. Lonely children often feel worthless and lack self-confidence and some struggle to cope. Self harm and suicidal thoughts have been the topics of some of the worst calls to ChildLine, This can be heartbreaking to hear but what is worse is the stories that we don't hear.... Support ChildLine."

Advice for parents The NSPCC's advice for parents who are concerned that their child is withdrawn and may be feeling lonely is:

Take your child's feelings seriously - it could be a sign that something else is wrong. Let your child know they can always come to you with their problems. Everyone needs privacy and space, but children also need love, attention and to interact with people. Set aside times to hear about your child's day, their friends and any problems.

Make sure your child isn't feeling isolated within the family and there are opportunities to chat and socialise together.

Remind them that it's natural for friendships to come and go and that they will make new friends. If your child doesn't have friends at school, provide opportunities for them to make friends through shared interests such as sport and clubs.

They may spend more time with friends than with family in their teenage years but let them know you are still there for them if they need you.

If you're concerned about your child speak to your GP. Or you can encourage your child to call ChildLine on freephone 0800 1111.


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