Northern Ireland

NSPCC: Nearly 5,000 children had counselling for loneliness in 2023/24

The NSPCC said the causes included bullying and a feeling of missing out compared to peers on social media

The NSPCC has offered advice for children and young people experiencing loneliness.
The NSPCC has offered advice for children and young people experiencing loneliness. PICTURE: NSPCC (Tom Hull)
By Allan Preston

NEARLY 5,000 children in Northern Ireland needed counselling for loneliness in 2023/24, the NSPCC has said.

The charity’s Childline service delivered the counselling sessions over the phone and online from one of their 13 bases in Northern Ireland, including Belfast and Foyle.

Loneliness was given as one of the main reasons for young people calling about problems with their mental health.

Young people said this could be triggered by things like moving house or school and having to make new friends, parents working long hours, bullying and feeling they miss out on the fun their peers post about on social media.

Watching peers post about the fun they are having can be an isolating experience, the NSPCC has said. PICTURE: NSPCC
Watching peers post about the fun they are having can be an isolating experience, the NSPCC has said. PICTURE: NSPCC (Patch Dolan)

One 17-year-old girl from Northern Ireland told Childline: “Trying to keep up with everything - school, my job, family, friends - has really taken a toll on my mental health. It’s all overwhelming and giving me anxiety. I can feel myself cutting people off to cope but then I’m left feeling so alone.”

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Another young person said: “I feel so lonely all the time, I end up crying and trying to sleep until the feeling goes away. I’ve tried to help myself, but nothing worked. I feel like I’ve been this way forever, I need this to change.”

The NSPCC has released the figure to remind young people they are not alone and that Childline is available 24/7.

The charity also offers an online text befriending service called Building Connections.

Available to anyone up to the age of 19, it matches young people with a trained befriender for 11 weeks to help them build their confidence.

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “It’s heart-breaking to see so many young people turning to Childline because they feel lonely and isolated. We know how much of an impact loneliness can have on children’s mental health, often leaving them feeling hopeless and unseen.”

She added that the feelings could become even more intense during the dark winter months.

“Childline is here for every young person, no matter what their situation.

“Whether they’re missing a friend, struggling with school holidays, or finding it difficult to talk to those around them, our counsellors are ready to listen and provide support.”

Advice for children struggling with their mental health and/or loneliness include: taking part in activities they enjoy like sport or music, looking after basic needs like sleep and a health diet, finding ways to socialise and remembering to ask for help from a trusted adult or contacting Childline.

Adults can support young people by talking openly about feelings without judgement, encouraging socialising, building confidence and a supportive environment.

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.

A child can be referred to the online Building Connections service, or by emailing buildingconnections@nspcc.org.uk