1,200 children dial Childline on Christmas Day

Childline recieved 1,208 calls, texts and messages on Christmas Day

Brian Byrne

More than 1,200 children contacted a telephone helpline for distressed youngsters on Christmas Day, volunteers said.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) said most of the children contacting its Childline service yesterday needed help with family problems or mental health issues.

Some 57 volunteers dealt with 1,208 calls, texts and other messages during the day.

More than seven in 10, or 73pc of calls were from boys.

Margie Roe, Childline manager, said the time of year can bring a number of problems to the fore in homes around the country.

"The season can bring unwelcome stress on families and issues such as financial pressures and alcohol misuse in the home can have a hugely negative impact on children's experience of the day," she said.

"Children contacted Childline on Christmas Day for a variety of reasons but the majority of calls this year were from children who were experiencing family difficulties and mental health issues."

She added: "What we can and will continue to do is listen to, believe and empower them and most importantly of all we will show these children we care."

Childline faced an unprecedented funding crisis during the year, according to the service. However, an emergency appeal raised €400,000 in donations.

An agreement between Childline and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will help maintain overnight services.