Huge rise in child suicide calls

Figures reveal an upsurge in calls about suicide

The number of children throughout the UK ringing Childline bases in Northern Ireland to talk about suicide has quadrupled in the past five years.

NSPCC figures show last year volunteers at Belfast's ChildLine base spoke to 265 children, whilst the new Foyle base counselled an additional 82.

This compares to 66 children who phoned the Belfast base in 2003/04.

Paddy Shannon of ChildLine NI said:"It is very positive that more children are seeking help with their problems."

He added: "For some children, saying that they are considering suicide is a cry for help, while others see it as the only way to escape their problems.

"While most callers will not actually attempt suicide we treat every call as extremely serious."

One in five of those who called ChildLine about suicide said they had been sexually abused, and nearly one in three said they had been physically abused.

The NSPCC has made a series of recommendations which include providing information on help for young people, particularly young men, through schools and public places.

Therapy

It also suggested training for counsellors, teachers and doctors and clear signposting by internet service providers to sources of help.

Also recommended was a change in the law in relation to monitoring of websites outside the UK and a better system of gathering information on suicide among young people.

The NSPCC has called for therapy for all abused children.

Mr Shannon added: "The recommendations from this ChildLine suicides case note report provide a helpful direction and evidence base for policy makers in Northern Ireland, particularly in the development of Protect Life, the regional suicide prevention strategy and its next action plan."

The NSPCC needs to raise an extra £50m over the next three years to try to answer more calls.