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:
Authors: Vanessa Bennett, Chloe Gill, Pam Miller and members of the NeurOX Young People’s Advisory Group
Published: 2021
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 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.
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.
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.
Learn about what children and young people talked to Childline about in 2018/19. Also includes previous reports and thematic reports.
Our series of posters encourage children to contact Childline if they need to talk.
Learn about setting up an online community or using a new social media platform. Includes assessing, mitigating and addressing risk and ensuring you have appropriate moderation and hosting.
