Coronavirus: Childline reports 'huge spike' in calls as outbreak takes toll on young people's mental health

'It is important that families talk about their feelings together', says Esther Rantzen

Coronavirus fears are taking a growing toll on the mental health of young people, according to Childline.

The child counselling service says there has been a sharp rise in the number of calls it receives from distressed young people struggling to deal with the pandemic and the impact it is having on their lives.

According to its latest figures, Childline has so far delivered more than 900 sessions to children worried about the coronavirus with the majority taking place in the last week.

Almost two-thirds (597) of the Childline sessions took place between 16 and 22 March, while the peak was 18 March, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced school closures. There were 121 calls that day.

Of these, more than 50 counselling sessions were with children having suicidal thoughts exacerbated by the virus.

“My mum is being very distant with me and I am usually very close to her, it’s really upsetting me,” one girl told Childline.

”My mum and I have a good relationship but she’s really obsessed with the news and she won’t hug me or get very close to me.

“It scares me to think this will go on for months. She constantly talks about the coronavirus and my anxiety is getting worse.”

The government has given Childline staff and volunteers key worker status so they can continue to keep the service running during the weeks of uncertainty ahead.

More than half of the children who received sessions said they are worried about their mental health as they are faced with isolation, arguments at home and the removal of support from school.

Dame Esther Rantzen, Childline founder, said that while some young people find it difficult to share their anxieties with their parents, for fear of worrying them further, it is important that families talk about their feelings together.

“We are hearing from children who have been cut off from vital support networks such as school, and friends, and that has increased their feelings of loneliness and vulnerability,” she said.

“They may have pre-existing mental health issues which are exacerbated by the current crisis.“

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, agreed, adding that the intense news cycle about coronavirus is causing “huge worry and anxiety in young people – particularly those who are already coping with many other issues in their lives”.

A government spokespersn said: “We know that young people may be worried in what is an unprecedented situation.

“We are acting across government and working with the NHS and Public Health England to ensure support is there for the young people that need it, and we are grateful to Childline’s staff and volunteers for everything they do to support vulnerable children.

“We understand the measures the government is taking to stop the spread of coronavirus will be a change for many families, but our absolute priority is to protect the NHS and save lives.”

Childline has shared a number of ways children can cope with anxiety while they are off school amid the coronavirus outbreak, including:

• Talk to people - You might not be able to speak to all the people you normally turn to for support. But it can help to talk to people at home, your friends online or to Childline. Talking about what’s happening and how you’re feeling can help you realise you’re not alone.
• Make time for yourself - Take time every day to do something that helps you to feel good or proud. If you’re not sure what to do, use the Calm Zone for ideas and tools to help you relax.
• Keep busy - Being stuck at home can be boring and stressful sometimes, especially if you don’t get on with your family. Staying busy with things like schoolwork or hobbies can help you cope.
• Look after your health - Try to exercise if you can, and make sure you’re eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep.
• Ask questions when you’re not sure - Whether you’re worried about how to see the GP, what’s going to happen in your exams or anything else it’s important to ask an adult you trust about what you can do. If you normally get support and it’s ending, it can help to ask about what else you can do while you’re off.
• Make a routine - Having time off can be great for a few days, but after a while it can have a big effect on your mood or things like your sleep. Doing things like setting an alarm in the morning and keeping to a routine can help you to take care of yourself.

If you have been affected by this article, you can contact Childline by calling for free on 0800 1111.

Alternatively, you can log in for a one-to-one counsellor chat on the Childline website or send an email.