How long will it be?
Every chat is different so we can’t say exactly how long it’ll be before a counsellor is free. We’ll answer your chat as soon we can.
There are lots of things you can do while you’re waiting, it might help to look at the message boards.
Tips for speaking to Childline
What to do while you wait
There are lots of things you can do while you wait for a counsellor:
- Play a game
- Read letters from other young people on Ask Sam
- Visit the message boards
- Use the Calm Zone to find ways to cope
Not able to wait? Remember, in an emergency you should always call 999. You can also call for free on 0800 1111 to get through faster or send an email to a counsellor and get a response within a day.
Confidentiality promise
Childline is a safe place to talk. Whenever you speak to us it’s confidential and we won’t tell other people what you’ve said. We only might need to say or do something if:
- you ask us to
- we believe your life or someone else's life is in danger
- you're being hurt by someone in a position of trust who is able to hurt other children like a teacher, religious leader, sports coach, police officer or doctor
- you tell us that you're seriously hurting another person
- you tell us about another child who's being hurt and is not able to tell someone or understand what is happening to them
- we're told we have to by law, for example for a court case.