Coronavirus Kent: Demand for Childline increases as schools forced to close

Childline has said it is experiencing an 'unprecedented demand' for its service as the coronavirus pandemic starts to affect children's lives.

The charity says there has been a sharp rise in the number of calls it is receiving, having delivered almost 1,000 counselling sessions with children and young people worried about issues including isolation, arguments at home and the removal of support from schools. In a special column for the KM Group, Emma Motherwell from Childline shares some advice for parents...

The outbreak of the coronavirus has changed the way we all carry out our day to day lives and this may be making you and your family feel overwhelmed and anxious.

Children and young people in particular may be finding it tricky coping with not going to school, or they may be worried about older relatives who are more vulnerable to the virus. It is completely normal to feel anxious during unsettling times and your children are not alone.

So far here at Childline we have delivered more than 900 counselling sessions to young people worried about COVID-19, one girl who contacted Childline said: “My mum is being very distant with me and I am usually very close to her, it's really upsetting me. My mum and I have a good relationship but she's really obsessed with the news and she won't hug me or get very close to me. It scares me to think this will go on for months."

She constantly talks about the Coronavirus and my anxiety is getting worse.

If your children are concerned about the virus, then we have some advice to help you support them.

It's best to have a calm, open and informed discussion with your child about what they already know. They may have heard or read things in the news or seen information on social media and they may be wondering how this will impact them. Recommend that they only read news sources that they trust, like the BBC or Newsround.

Before starting this conversation, reassure them you will listen to their concerns and that they will have your full attention.

When they’ve finished, calmly explain the facts of the situation. You can find these through NHS and World Health Organisation sites, with advice on what we know about the virus and how to help protect yourself from it.

It’s important to be honest and tailor what you say to their maturity.

Finally, Childline is always there to support children and any young person worried about the coronavirus can use Childline’s online message boards to talk to other young people about how they’re feeling. They can also draw pictures and play games to relax and have fun.

Or they can speak to a trained Childline counsellor for free using the Childline website, or by calling 0800 1111.

For more family-related news and information visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk