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Understanding how young people benefit from using Childline’s message boards 

Publication date October 2021
Front cover: A community online - young people helping young people on the Childline message boards

Childline message boards are an online space where young people can post anonymously about their experiences, ask questions, and also give advice to their peers.

We worked with young researchers to understand:

  • how young people benefit from using the Childline message boards
  • whether using the boards supports young people’s help-seeking journey
  • the views of young people to inform the development of the Childline message boards.

Authors: Vanessa Bennett, Chloe Gill, Pam Miller and members of the NeurOX Young People’s Advisory Group
Published: 2021

A community online: young people helping young people on the Childline message boards
Download the report (PDF)

Key findings

Young people who use the Childline message boards could feel less distressed and more motivated to seek outside help

Our participative research found that using the Childline message boards could reduce young people's emotional distress and increase their willingness to seek outside help 

Online peer support can overcome the barriers that young people experience when seeking help

Online peer support on the Childline message boards can overcome the barriers that young people experience when seeking help for emotional abuse and neglect. It increases their understanding of a problem, reduces fear and loneliness, and encourages them to seek further help and support.

Updating online functionality could improve access to the message boards

Access to the message boards could be improved by updating online functionality and by giving guidance to the young people looking to receive or give support.

Citation 

Bennett, V, Gill, C. Miller, P and NeurOX Young People’s Advisory Group (2021) A community online: young people helping young people on the Childline message boards. London: NSPCC.

A community online: young people helping young people on the Childline message boards
Download the report (PDF)

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