JUST LISTEN officially launches in Lisbon
On 3–4 February 2026, Laura and I travelled to Lisbon, Portugal, to attend the kick-off meeting of the JUST LISTEN – Justice Professionals Listening to and Engaging Safely with Traumatized and Exploited Children, a project co-funded by the European Union under the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Hosted by NOVA School of Law, the two-day meeting marked the […]
Letter to the European Commission on Children’s Online Protection
Calling for children’s voices to shape EU digital policy
In December, Child Helpline International, together with our national members Børns Vilkår (Denmark) and BRIS (Sweden), sent a letter to President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission calling for children’s voices to be placed at the centre of EU policymaking on online safety. Drawing on direct insights from millions of contacts to child […]
The Role of Child Helplines in Ending Domestic Violence Against Children in the EU
Position Paper and Child Helpline Data – December 2025 Domestic violence remains one of the most persistent and under-detected forms of violence affecting children across the European Union (EU). This report brings together annual data submitted by child helplines and findings from a dedicated consultation with child helplines from 16 EU Member States. Every year, thousands of children […]
Promising Next Steps for EU Tech Policy to Protect Children’s Digital Rights
Last week marked a significant milestone in the EU’s approach to ensuring children’s digital safety, as both the Council and the European Parliament made important decisions that will influence how young people experience online spaces in the years ahead. After years of stalled negotiations, the Council of the European Union reached a joint position on the proposed Child Sexual […]
Recommendations for Strengthening EU Action to Protect Children from Violence
Data-Driven Findings to Inform EU Efforts on Prevention, Detection and Support
Violence remains one of the most common reasons why children and young people contact child helplines. Between 2020 and 2024, child helplines across Europe recorded 1.3 million violence-related counselling contacts, including nearly 80,000 bullying-related contacts in 2024 alone. Technology-facilitated child sexual abuse and exploitation (TF-CSEA) is also rising, with 10,107 contacts in 2024, up from […]
Recommendations for the Improvement of Mental Health of children and young people across Europe
Data from European child helplines
Across Europe, mental health is the leading reason why children and young people contact child helplines. Between 2020 and 2024, child helplines received 2.9 million mental-health-related contacts (39% of all counselling contacts), including more than 1 million linked to fear, anxiety or mood problems, and nearly 700,000 involving self-harm or suicidal thoughts. In 2024 alone, […]
116 111 Turns 18: A Coming of Age for Europe’s Harmonized Child Helpline Number
On 29 October 2007, the European Commission reserved a special number for children across the continent: 116 111. From that moment on, children and young people in Europe had a simple, free-of-charge number they could dial to find help, support and someone who would listen. Over the years, 116 111 has grown into a lifeline […]
Looking Back at IC 2025: Regional Spaces
Earlier this year, the 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines (IC 2025) brought together over 300 participants from around the globe in Livingstone, Zambia, for three days of learning, collaboration and shared commitment to children’s rights. Delegates explored themes such as online safety, mental health support, inclusive services, and the meaningful participation of children and […]
Three Years of War: Listening to Ukraine’s Children
Three years ago today, Russian forces escalated the conflict in Ukraine into a full-scale war. Since then, millions have endured unimaginable hardship. Our hearts are with all those suffering — both in Ukraine and in every corner of the world where conflict continues to destroy lives. Since the beginning of the war, millions of Ukrainian […]
Children & Young People Affected by the War in Ukraine
Child Helpline Data
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 14 million Ukrainian refugees have crossed borders seeking safety. Child helplines across Europe have expanded their services to cater to the needs of these individuals, offering Ukrainian-speaking counselling services. Together with our child helpline members in Ukraine (La Strada), Poland (FDDS), Hungary (Kék Vonal), Slovakia […]