Suicidal youngsters flood ChildLine

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The NSPCC, which runs the free 24-hour helpline, said it received an average of almost 60 calls from suicidal youngsters every week.

Of that number, one in 14 needs urgent medical care or is in immediate danger - with family problems, bullying, abuse and exam stress featuring most often.

Some children told counsellors they had already tried to kill themselves, while others made attempts to do so while on the phone.

Almost a third of suicidal callers told volunteers they had been physically abused, with one in five children disclosing sexual abuse.

Ten-year-old Sophie told a counsellor: "I hate my life now dad's gone because I get blamed for everything and my mum is in the pub every day. We never have any money because of her drinking and I've got no friends now. I just want to die."

Another child, Paul, 13, said: "I feel like killing myself. My mum and dad beat me and I'm getting bullied at school. I don't have anyone else to turn to except ChildLine."

Sue Minto, head of ChildLine, said: "It is heartbreaking to listen to children talk of wanting to consider suicide. Suicidal children tell us they feel utterly lonely and helpless and, apart from ChildLine, nobody seems to care whether they live or die.

"Children can hide their distress so effectively that parents may have no idea their child is suicidal. We want parents to be given guidance on how to spot possible signs, how to listen to their child's worries and where to find help."

The NSPCC said 80% of calls to ChildLine about suicide were from girls, but calls from boys are rising fast and are now four times higher than five years ago.