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Childline reports record number of cases relating to gender issues

Children as young as twelve are using the service to talk about bullying and a lack of understanding surrounding their struggles with gender
Children as young as twelve are using the service to talk about bullying and a lack of understanding surrounding their struggles with gender Children as young as twelve are using the service to talk about bullying and a lack of understanding surrounding their struggles with gender

CHILDLINE has held record numbers of counselling sessions about transgender and gender issues last year, some from children as young as twelve.

The charity carried out 59 sessions with children from the north relating to the issue, many of who said they experienced suicidal thoughts or other mental health issues due to abuse, bullying and lack of support.

UK-wide the NSPCC held 2,796 counselling sessions – an average of 8 a day – on the topic.

One 13-year-old girl who identifies as a boy, spoke to the charity about online bullying.

"I’m being bullied on my social network account about being transgender and it’s awful," she said.

"They constantly send me hateful messages and tell me to kill myself. I think it’s someone at school as they seem to know things about me.

"I have tried blocking them but they make new accounts so I just can’t escape it."

The NSPCC warned that if a young trans person’s feelings are not recognised or supported by families and services it can lead to significant emotional distress and mental health issues.

Neil Anderson, Head of the NSPCC in Northern Ireland, said that removing the stigma surrounding the issue was key to making children feel comfortable to talk about their problems.

"It’s vital young people are confident that if they speak out they will be able to try and navigate these confusing and complex feelings without also having to fight prejudice and abuse," he said.

"Adults must support a child as they explore what they’re feeling and guide them to get the right help when necessary."

Any child or young person who wants to talk about trans issues can call Childline on 0800 1111.