New European Report on Children’s Mental Health Highlights the Vital Role of Child Helplines in Supporting Young People’s Mental Well-being
Tirana, November 4, 2024 — Today, Albanian National Child Helpline – ALO 116 111 announced the release of the latest report from Child Helpline International’s (CHI). As a full member of CHI since 2012, ALO 116 111 is proud to support this initiative. The report, titled “Supporting Children & Young People’s Mental Health in Europe: The Impact and Role of Child Helplines,” gathers data from 30 child helplines across Europe, underscoring the significant challenges young people face today, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
Key Findings from the Report:
- Mood disorders, including depression and feelings of loneliness, accounted for nearly 200,000 counseling sessions with young people over the last three years.
- Anxiety and fear, which affect around one-fifth of all mental health-related contacts, remain common concerns among youth. Worryingly, the data shows an upward trend in issues related to suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
- Suicidal thoughts represented 18.5% of all mental health-related contacts in 2022, up from 16.7% in 2020 — an alarming indicator that calls for urgent action to address the mental health crisis among young people.
“This report underscores the crucial role child helplines play in supporting young people’s mental health,” said Belioza Çoku, Executive Director of ALO 116 111. “ALO 116 111 provides a safe space for Albanian children, helping prevent crises and offering the support many struggles to find within families or institutions.”
ALO 116 111 is part of the European harmonized number 116 111, which provides unified, accessible services to children in many countries across Europe, offering a secure platform for those seeking help. The helpline serves as a vital first point of contact for many children, ensuring they receive support before their issues escalate. For more information about the report or to arrange a presentation on ALO 116 111’s work in the field of children’s mental health, please contact alo116@alo116.al.