Boys in NI less than half as likely to ring counselling hotline

In 2015/16, Childline delivered over twice as many counselling sessions to girls in Northern Ireland compared to boys, with 70 sessions delivered to boys and 168 to girls.

Yet more than twice as many boys aged from 10 to 19 died by suicide in 2015.

A new Childline campaign, Tough to Talk, is encouraging boys to speak out about suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Wayne Rooney, NSPCC Ambassador for Childhood, said: “Growing up in the world of football I know there can be a stigma attached to young men showing emotion and talking about their feelings.

“It can be seen as a weakness but the opposite is true and it takes great strength to open up and reach out for help.

“Hopefully Childline’s ‘Tough to Talk’ campaign will help young people, and boys in particular, see that they are not alone and it’s ok to speak out.

“They don’t need to suffer in silence. I would encourage any young person struggling with suicidal thoughts to talk to someone they trust or contact Childline.”

Neil Anderson, head of the NSPCC for Northern Ireland, said: “Northern Ireland still has the highest suicide rate for 10 to 14-year-olds, and it is vital that young people get the support they need as early as possible so they do not reach the point where they are in crisis.

“Children need to be able to access the services they need when they need them most.”

The NSPCC is calling for the Stormont Department of Health’s suicide prevention strategy to have a greater focus on children and young people.

The charity also wants to see increased investment to address the lack of specialised mental health services for children across Northern Ireland.

Mr Anderson added: “Children struggling with suicidal feelings can often feel alone, with nobody to talk to and nowhere to turn for help.

“For boys in particular it can be harder to ask for help due to reluctance to talk about their feelings, and this is highlighted by the fact that girls across Northern Ireland were over twice as likely to contact Childline for help on the issue than boys.”

Children and young people can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk