Childline sets up new text message helpline service
06/04/2005 - 07:22:34The ISPCC's Childline service has set up a new SMS service to allow children seek help or advice via text message.
Information on a range of issues like bullying, pregnancy, relationships and suicide can be accessed by sending a text message to 50101.
The SMS service is due to be launched today to coincide with the publication of new Childline figures showing that more than 700,000 calls were made to the organisation's helpline in 2004.
The ISPCC said more than 8% of these calls related to sexual issues and said this reflected a "worrying trend of confusion, lack of information and premature sexualisation of young people".
It also said only one quarter of calls to the helpline were answered because of staff shortages.
