New research: Thousands of calls made to Childline over sexuality
In 2024/25, Childline delivered over 2,400 counselling sessions to children and young people with issues or concerns about sexuality and gender identity
Childline delivers thousands of counselling sessions to children and young people about sexuality and gender identity issues
In 2024/25, Childline delivered over 2,400 counselling sessions to children and young people with issues or concerns about sexuality and gender identity.
Two in five (42%) of these counselling sessions were about coming out.
Between 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025, the NSPCC-service delivered 2,411 counselling sessions on the topic of sexuality and gender identity.
Over 40% of these counselling sessions focused on the issue of coming out, with many young people expressing their anxieties around being judged if they were to reveal their sexuality.
Young people contacting the service about coming out are telling trained counsellors that they’re worried about their parents’ reaction, being alienated from friendship groups and difficulties with their mental health as a result.
One girl, aged 12 from Wales, told Childline:
“Some kids in my class make fun of LGBTQ+ people, and that really hurts me.
“I want to tell my parents I’m a lesbian, but I’m scared if people at school find out.
“I have supportive friends who would accept me and could even help me prepare for the conversation with my family, but I worry people talk behind my back and judge me.”
When contacting Childline to talk about sexuality and gender identity, other concerns for young people included:
- Questioning sexuality or gender identity
- Discrimination or prejudice
- Bullying
One transgender boy, aged 17, told Childline,
"I'm trans and still kinda in the process of figuring my identity out. There's been so much hate for us lately in the news in terms of people taking their lives, kids being attacked, governments putting harmful laws in place.
"I'm scared as to what this means for my future, and if I'll ever be able to live as myself."
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, says:
"Coming out remains one of the main subjects that young people want to discuss when contacting Childline about their sexuality or gender identity.
“It is a privilege that young people turn to the service to help them navigate a pivotal and potentially difficult moment in their lives. Our trained counsellors are there to offer impartial support to help them to manage these often complex emotions.
“This Pride Month, I want to remind all young people that Childline is here to provide a safe, confidential space where they can discuss their feelings and concerns freely.”
Childline is encouraging adults to be understanding and respectful when young people are exploring their sexuality and gender identity, and is there for any young person wishing to discuss these topics.