In its report ‘Can I tell you something’ ChildLine, the 24 hour counselling service for children and teenagers, says it has seen a large increase in the number of young people contacting it with concerns about online bullying. The charity dealt with 4,507 cases of cyberbullying in 2012-13, compared with 2,410 in 2011-12.

During 2012-13, ChildLine counselled a total of 278,886 children and teenagers. The charity also dealt with 10,961 cases where a young person raised concerns about another child.

The report revealed that for the first time they received more contact for help online (59%) than by phone (49%).

Disturbingly the report also tells us that the numbers of children and teenagers mentioning suicidal feelings has also risen from 22,006 in 2011-12 to 29,163 in 2012-13
ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen describes this report as ‘a wake-up call’.  She said ”Far too many of the nation's children seem to be struggling and in despair.“

If you’re a young person and feel you need to talk to someone call free on 0800 1111 or contact  someone through their website at www.childline.org.uk 

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