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Hi there
Secrets can be difficult to keep sometimes, especially if youre feeling under pressure from other people to talk about what you know.
When we know about a big secret like this it can feel like we want people to know that we have information that they dont have. It can be tempting to tell people about it. It can make us feel important and special which is hard to ignore. The thing is, if we do tell the secret to other people it stops being a secret. If you tell people, it could start being a rumour or gossip, which isn't usually very nice.
Its up to you what happens next, but you should think very carefully before you decide. Once you have told someone else you cant take it back, and there may be consequences of spreading the secret. Try thinking about how the people involved might feel if its something that they are trying to keep private.
Sometimes there can be good reasons to talk about a secret, like if youre worried someone might be being hurt or is in danger or if its making you feel upset yourself. There is a difference between talking to a trusted adult about a secret thats worrying you and spreading a secret as gossip.
Remember that ChildLine counsellors are always here for you to talk to privately.
Thanks for your letter,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.