Childline marked Pride Month by highlighting the “crucial” support it offers to thousands of children and young people with concerns about gender and sexuality each year.
National children’s charity the NSPCC, which operates Childline, had a presence at Pride events in Britain to remind young people that it offers free, impartial and non-judgmental support on any topic.
The charity helpline has delivered 2,419 counselling sessions relating to gender and sexuality over the last 12 months.
Young people have many concerns around gender and sexuality
The top 5 concerns discussed around gender identity and sexuality were:
- Coming out
- Questioning sexuality and gender identity
- Gender dysphoria
- Bullying based on gender or sexuality
- Discrimination and / or prejudice
Where gender was known, almost two thirds of these counselling sessions (62%) were with young people who identified as trans or non-binary.
Childline also heard from a large number of young people who were worried about homophobia and transphobia, either as a direct recipient or a witness. In some cases, experiences of homophobia or transphobia were had online or through the media, while others were first-hand.
Counsellors also spoke to children and young people who were struggling with long waiting lists for services such as gender identity services.
Support for adults around gender and sexuality discussions
Childline offers a Talk Relationships service, which supports secondary school teachers to feel more confident to deliver sessions about healthy relationships and to lead inclusive discussions on these topics.
The confidential helpline offers children and young people a “safe space” to explore their concerns and thoughts around gender identity and sexuality.
Meanwhile, adults are encouraged to:
- Be understanding and respectful when young people are exploring their sexuality and gender identity
- Be there for any young person who wishes to talk about these subjects
- Access their online resources for children and parents
Young people worry about ‘judgment’
Childline’s director, Shaun Friel, said:
“Young people may worry about judgment or a lack of acceptance when expressing their thoughts and concerns around sexuality and gender identity.
“That is why it’s crucial that there are confidential and non-judgmental spaces such as Childline where children can share freely and feel supported.”
He added that, throughout Pride Month and beyond, the free service had remained “committed as ever to helping young people with these concerns.”
Training for those supporting children and young people
First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.
They work with a large number of early years and childcare providers, as well as schools, colleges, and children’s services. Their courses include Understanding Mental Health, Youth Mental Health First Aid and Self-Harm Awareness.
A trainer from FRT says:
“If a young person is struggling with their sexuality or gender identity, or is worried about coming out, including how they may be treated and the impact it may have on their closest relationships, this can significantly impact their mental health and wellbeing.
“It’s important that anyone who works closely with children and young people has an understanding of mental health, is able to spot the signs that someone may be struggling and can offer appropriate support. Focused training can help with this.”
For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.