Anxiety most common concern for children contacting Childline
Anxiety has emerged as the most common mental health concern among children and young people contacting Childline for help.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, the NSPCC-run service delivered 12,543 counselling sessions to young people experiencing anxiety — including 356 in Wales. The figure represents almost a quarter (23%) of all mental health-related support provided during the year.
The charity said children cited a wide range of causes, including school pressures, bullying, body image issues, abuse, trauma and global concerns such as climate change, the UK riots and world conflict.
One 14-year-old girl from Wales told Childline: “I spend a lot of energy pretending to be ok on the outside and bottling up how I really feel. This year was one stress after another, my best friend got really ill, we had to pick GCSE subjects, my friend group drifted apart, and school feels so judgemental all the time. How am I supposed to cope with it all?”
A 17-year-old boy added: “I think it will sound stupid, but since my girlfriend broke up with me, I can’t stop worrying about the future. I have plans to go to university, but when I try to think about it, I can only think about it all going wrong. I get real anxiety about nothing working out for me.”
Childline Director Shaun Friel said: “Thousands of children are reaching out to us because they’re struggling with their mental health, in particular with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn.
“From the pressures of school and bullying to concerns about their appearance and worries about global issues, like climate change and world conflict, children are telling us they’re carrying an enormous emotional burden.
“This World Mental Health Day, we want every young person to know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is always available. Childline is here 24/7, providing a safe, confidential space where children can talk about their anxieties, no matter how big or small they may seem.”
To mark World Mental Health Day, the NSPCC has also shared tips to help young people manage anxiety and guidance for parents supporting children struggling with their mental health.
Advice for children includes practising deep breathing, staying active, using grounding techniques to stay present, challenging negative thoughts, and reaching out for support.
Parents are encouraged to communicate openly, recognise triggers, promote healthy routines, model positive coping mechanisms, and seek professional help if needed.
Childline is a free and confidential service available to any young person in the UK, offering support by phone on 0800 1111 or via online chat at childline.org.uk.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
