Childline on social media

We’re on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram so you can share your ideas or get tips about lots of different issues. We work a little differently on social media, so find out more and get involved! 

On this Page

Your online community

Childline posts almost every day with advice, support and discussions about lots of different issues. It's a place you can share your thoughts with your friends and other people in the Childline community!

Childline's Voice Box

Our YouTube channel has hundreds of videos on all kinds of topics. See our guest YouTubers talk about their experiences or get expert advice on things that might be worrying you.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Facebook

Our Facebook page is a place where you can discuss anything you like and get support from other young people. It's a great way to get ideas and share your experiences on how to cope with different situations.

Like us on Facebook

Instagram

On Instagram we share inspirational images, messages and behind the scenes pics from our YouTube shoots.

Follow us on Instagram

 

Things to remember:

  • it’s public – so think before you post
  • our social media isn't confidential, so if we're worried about you we may need to tell someone
  • it's a great place to share ideas or discuss things with other people
  • we post new videos every week 
  • sometimes we have to delete comments to keep people safe 
  • we can’t post things you send to us 
  • we can't give counselling and our counsellors will never contact you through social media.

too many
thoughts
getting me down

Check out our #ToughtoTalk campaign and get support if you're experiencing suicidal feelings.

Making sure you're safe

Our social media channels are very different to Childline. We can't offer direct support on social media and it's not confidential.

If you share anything with us on social media that makes us think you or someone else is in danger, we may need to pass this on to the police or social services to help protect you.

Your Childline social media hosts

All of our channels are hosted by people from Childline. You'll see them posting and replying to people on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.

The hosts all work for Childline but are very different to our counsellors. They're there to support you but they can't offer counselling - on the comments or on private messaging.

Our hosts aren't there all the time and can't always reply straight away, so it's better to contact a Childline counsellor instead of asking for help on social media if you need support.

If you need support with anything confidentially, talk to one of our counsellors by calling 0800 1111 or starting a 1-2-1 counsellor chat.

it's changed how I see myself
for the
BETTER

Check out our Facebook page!

Latest on YouTube

Watch: Ben Hunte talks about coming out

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Watch: Coming out to a friend

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Watch: Dealing with hate

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Our social media house rules

We want to make sure nothing is shared on our social media that could put you in danger.

We may delete comments that mention:

  • Using the Childline message boards
    This includes saying that you've posted on the boards or sharing your Childline nickname.
  • Having used Childline
    It's okay to say that you've used Childline in the past as long as you don't give any detail.
  • You or someone else being harmed
    This includes a comment about you or someone else being abused or neglected – now or in the past. We won't be able to keep any of these comments confidential.
  • Self-harm or suicidal behaviour
    It's okay to post about these things, but we'll take down any posts that make you vulnerable. We also can't keep these comments confidential.
  • Personal details
    This includes personal information about you or other people, like your phone, school or email. It's okay to share a general place you live, like a city, but not things like a park or small town.
  • Events you’re going to
    Posting that you’re going to a concert or university open day could put you at risk. This includes posting about plans to meet up with people.
  • Volunteering for Childline
    Counsellors or people who work for Childline aren't allowed to post about this on our social media. 
  • Posts and comments in other languages
    We're only able to support people in English, so we need to delete posts in other languages as we can't respond to them.

  • Unsuitable websites or hashtags

    Talking about things that are helpful for young people is great, but any sites or that link to inappropriate or unsafe material have to be deleted.
  • Comments that show you're under 13
    Facebook and Instagram only allow people over 13 or have account - you'll need permission from your parents or carers to use YouTube if you're under 13.

We can only delete comments after they have been posted. So please be extra careful about what you say.

How to Stay Safe Online

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Keeping it friendly

Everyone has different opinions. We want to make sure everyone can get involved in discussions and share their ideas respectfully.

To make sure our social media feels friendly and welcoming, we delete anything that could upset other people. This includes:

  • comments about hurting other people (or wanting to hurt them)
  • personal insults or threats
  • bullying or aggressive comments
  • racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic comments
  • swearing
  • linking to something inappropriate or offensive.