We’ve seen a 29% increase in the number of young people speaking about coming out compared with last year. During Pride Month - and all year long - we’re here to provide young people with a source of support.
It’s been a challenging year for many, and some have struggled with being cut off from their usual support networks, while others have been worried about returning to school.
Since April last year, a total of 5,046 Childline counselling sessions have been carried out with young people about gender identity and sexuality. In 2,638 of these counselling sessions a young person mentioned coming out as a concern - a 29% increase from the year before, with some also talking about worrying about the reaction they would get from other people.1
We found in 1,467 counselling sessions young people also talked about their mental and emotional health as an additional concern to gender identity and sexuality, and in 1,023 counselling sessions they also spoke about family relationships. Other related concerns include school, friendship issues and self-harm.
While many found lockdown difficult, some described it as a time of reflection and a chance to take stock, and others spoke of finding confidence during this time to come out to their friends and family.