MORE than half (56 per cent) of all support provided by Childline to children in Wales last year were to young people struggling with mental and emotional health issues.

Between March 2024 and April 2025, the NSPCC-run service delivered 4,320 counselling sessions to young people in Wales. In 2,430 of these, the main concern was mental and emotional health and wellbeing – an average of almost seven sessions a day.

The top concerns raised when young people discussed their mental health included: Anxiety, Suicidal thoughts and feelings, Stress, Self-harm, Depression.

One boy, aged 15, from Wales told Childline: “I am feeling so overwhelmed and I am worried for my mental health. I am forcing myself to get out of bed each day but have lost interest in everything. I am scared that if I don’t get on top of this I am not going to succeed in life. It is really nice to have someone to talk to who I won’t upset.”

Childline is releasing this data to support its new campaign, ‘Race To A Milli’, funded by Lidl GB. The campaign shows TikTok stars, Makai Fray and Joe Leggett, competing head-to-head to be the first to reach 1 million "likes" for completing a series of challenges assigned by Rio Federika.

What the pair do not know is that the tasks are a digital stress test, aimed at challenging their resilience to things including peer pressure, hateful comments and rage bait.

With data from Ofcom highlighting that children spend nearly three hours on their devices per day rising to over six hours on average for young adults, the new Childline campaign highlights the need for device-free time and includes a discussion between Makai and Joe on the ways social media has impacted their mental health.

Childline is also hearing from young people on the issue of spending large amounts of time online, with one boy telling the service: “I’m struggling with being chronically online. I doom scroll all the time then feel so sluggish and worthless because I’m not doing anything. I know it’s making my depression worse, and I should exercise or go outside at least but I just keep scrolling.”

As always, Childline is available to provide free and confidential advice to children who may be struggling with their mental health, or any other worries.

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: "We know that mental health is one of the biggest issues facing young people today. It's something we hear about more than ever, and it can stem from a range of factors, some of which can come from the online world.

"That's why we're delighted to be working with our long-standing partners, Lidl GB, to launch the new ‘Race To A Milli’ campaign. Through Makai, Joe, and Rio's experiences, we're hoping to spark honest conversations about digital resilience and the importance of taking breaks from the online world when it becomes too much.

“When you're spending hours online every day and being, exposed to comparison, negativity, and pressure to present a perfect version of yourself, it takes its toll. It's vital that children and young people understand that help is available. Whatever their worry, they can speak to one of our trained Childline counsellors by phone, text, or online chat. Childline is always here for them."

To support children who might be struggling with their mental health, especially when going online, the charity has released a series of tips:

  • Take regular breaks from your screen: Notice how scrolling makes you feel. If you're feeling anxious, comparing yourself to others, or stuck in a doom-scrolling cycle, it's time to step away. Even 10-15 minutes doing something offline can help reset your mood.
  • Talk about how you're feeling: You don't have to bottle things up. Whether it's a friend, family member, teacher, or Childline counsellor, sharing what's on your mind can help you feel less alone and find ways to cope.
  • Curate your online space: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself and seek out content that's positive or helpful. Remember, social media often shows highlight reels, not reality. You're in control of what you see.
  • Do something that makes you feel good: Whether it's going for a walk, listening to music, drawing, playing sport, or spending time with people you care about, make time for activities that lift your mood and help you recharge.
  • Remember that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness: If you're struggling, reaching out shows courage. Childline is always available by phone (0800 1111), online chat, or text. You deserve support.

Childline is available to young people by phone on 0800 1111 and online via the 121 chat on the Childline website.