Help Line Call Spike

Recent media attention about young people has seen a 20% spike in calls made to Youthline during May.

Following the accidental deaths of young people in both Christchurch and Tauranga more young people around the country are seeking support from Youthline’s youth help line.

Youthline usually receives up to 80 serious calls per day and have been receiving up to 120 per day in the last three weeks with a 10% increase noted in calls related to depression.

Youthline National Spokesperson Stephen Bell says the helpline is like a “thermometer that lets us know when the temperature is rising for young people”.

“Generally when something happens on a regional level we do get a follow on effect around the rest of the country because media coverage generates awareness of the issues in other areas.”

Bell says that it is important for young people to have somewhere to go when they feel they cannot speak to friends or family.

“Young people need emotional support to negotiate the challenges of adolescence.”

Young people and parents can reach Youthline by phone 0800 37 66 33, text 0274 Youths or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it