Coronavirus leads to increase in children contacting Kids Helpline NSW
Young BMX world champion Aiden Tillotson was just not feeling himself when he made the life-changing decision to call the Kids Helpline. He is one of hundreds of children as young as five calling the hotline in growing numbers amid the pandemic.
NSW
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Eleven-year-old Aiden Tillotson was happy and fit and a BMX world champion at age 10. But the pressure to succeed — as well as schoolyard bullying, the pandemic and the suicide of a close friend — got to him.
“I felt lonely, a bit sad and stressed about school plus it was hard with COVID-19 and not being able to play sports,” he said.
When his mother Michelle noticed he became withdrawn, she encouraged him to call the Kids Helpline — a 24/7, free and anonymous counselling hotline for children. It was a decision she now describes as “lifesaving.”
Ever since, he calls the service whenever he feels sad and he is urging other children to do the same.
“Don’t be afraid. They’re not going to judge you and will always help you,” he said
He is one of almost 400 children in NSW aged 5-9 calling the 24/7 hotline since March, an astounding 81 per cent increase in demand.
The majority were referred by parents and 71 per cent were calling the helpline for the first time.
Demand has been so great the hotline has employed an additional 50 counsellors since March and is now looking to hire more.
Kids Helpline manager Tony Fitzgerald said the majority of children raised emotional concerns (40 per cent) while others were worried about family relationship breakdowns (26 per cent) and some had trouble with bullying.
Despite this, the new figures are “encouraging,” because they show kids are seeking help, a “vital” step in preventing mental illness and suicide.
“While we know young people are struggling and there are a lot of emotions about the pandemic, we are encouraged people are reaching out … It’s a vital step to prevent things becoming more serious,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
The spike in calls may also be attributed to the fact the helpline visited more than 2700 primary school students to promote the service.
Parents should make mental health a dinner table discussion, he said, because it is not always clear when children are struggling and they might be afraid to tell their parents.
“I really encourage parents to normalise the conversation and provide space to talk about the helpline and the range of resources on our website,” he said.
Kids Helpline CEO Tracy Adams said it is critical, particularly during Mental Health Month, parents prompt their children to get help.
“Our concern is that this may be just the tip of the iceberg, we need to elevate help-seeking and continue the focus on reducing the stigma associated with seeking support. Early intervention is critical,” she said.
Kids Helpline 18000 551 800