Childline says social media could be the cause of a rise in loneliness in children - YOU Magazine Fashion Beauty Celebrity Health Life Relationships Horoscopes Food Interiors Travel Sign in Welcome!Log into your account Forgot your password? Password recovery Recover your password Search Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. YOU Magazine Fashion Beauty Celebrity Health Life Relationships Horoscopes Food Interiors Travel Home Life Childline says social media could be the cause of a rise in loneliness in children By You Magazine - July 4, 2018 Getty Images An increasing amount of children are contacting help services due to feelings of loneliness, new figures have shown. In a report issued by Childline, it was revealed that support service has conducted 4,636 counselling sessions specifically for loneliness in 2017/2018. This marks a staggering 14% rise from the previous year. The helpline state that they have received calls from children as young as 10 asking for advice on how to deal with feelings of isolation and that many callers related their loneliness directly to effects of social media. Why? Because they know when they’re not invited to things and constantly have to deal with the illusion that everyone is having fun. One teenage boy told Childline: “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.” Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen said: “Loneliness needs to be taken seriously because it is potentially damaging to children’s physical and mental health.” “Are we all too busy to make space and time for our children? Is it that we have lost the habit of eating together?Or is it the illusion created by social networks that everyone else is liked, popular and enjoying a far more exciting life so they feel lonelier than ever?” “Whatever the reason, it’s crucial that young people know they can always contact Childline to speak to someone who will listen and care about them.” The figures have been released by the NSPCC as they launch the “Are you there?” campaign. This calls on the Government to provide funding to Childline so it can support more children and teenagers struggling with mental health problems. If you’re worried your child, or a child you know, is suffering with loneliness but finds it hard to talk openly, Childline advises the below: Start conversations at a time when you won’t be interrupted such as on a walk or car ride Try not to overreact if your child tells you something that alarms and upsets you as it may put them off talking to you If your child isn’t ready to talk make sure you try again in a few days Make sure you take in what your child is telling you – it shows you value their feelings and opinions. Any child or teenager can contact Childline anytime by dialling 0800 1111, visiting childline.org.uk or by downloading the “For Me“ app. It’s a good idea to let your child know about these free services as they might find it easier to talk openly with someone other than a family member. RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR Everything we know about The Crown season 5 Aldi s exercise equipment is on sale with up to 50% off The best Halloween events for 2022 across the UK Popular in Life The You magazine team reveal their New Year s resolutions December 31, 2021 Susannah Taylor The TLC tools your body will love January 23, 2022 How to stop living in fear February 6, 2022 Susannah Taylor My pick of the fittest leggings February 27, 2022 Women’ s Prize for Fiction 2022 winner announced June 17, 2022 These BBC dramas are returning for a second series June 30, 2022 Susannah Taylor gives the lowdown on nature s little helper – CBD April 17, 2022 The baby names that are banned across the world April 27, 2022 The Queen has released her own emojis May 26, 2022 Sally Brompton horoscopes 27th June-3rd July 2022 June 26, 2022 Popular CategoriesFood2704Life2496Fashion2240Beauty1738Celebrity1261Interiors684 Sign up for YOUMail Thanks for subscribing Please check your email to confirm (If you don't see the email, check the spam box) Fashion Beauty Celebrity Life Food Privacy & Cookies T&C Copyright 2022 - YOU Magazine. All Rights Reserved