Thousands of children seek help from Childline, as anger issues rise 6%
New data shows that the NSPCC-service delivered close to 3,000 counselling sessions about the issue, online and over the phone, which is a 6% increase on the previous 12 months.
Last updated 14th May 2025
Thousands of children and young people have received support from Childline for anger issues over the past year.
New data shows that the NSPCC-service delivered close to 3,000 counselling sessions about the issue, online and over the phone, which is a 6% increase on the previous 12 months.
The rise in contacts on the topic has made anger issues a top ten mental health concern for all genders contacting the service. This data gives insight into a generation increasingly struggling to manage and control their emotions in the face of a range of pressures at home, school, online and in the community.
A boy of secondary school age in Wales said,
“My friend massively embarrassed me in front of this girl I like. I’m so angry about it, all I want to do is hit him even though I know that’s not the best way to deal with it. I need someone to talk me out of it or take this anger away.”
A girl, 14, from Wales said,
“When I get really mad, I throw things, break things, shout, swear. I scare myself honestly but it’s so hard to find things that actually work to calm me down. Childline helps, but only when I haven’t broken my phone in anger.”
Counselling sessions delivered by Childline reveal several recurring themes when children are discussing anger.
One girl, aged 9, confided to Childline:
"I feel so angry all the time, shouting is just how I express myself. When my parents shout at me, I shout back. They tell me to talk in arguments and tell people how I feel but no one cares, no one listens unless I shout."
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said:
“The fact that children are reaching out for help about their anger issues reflects the growing emotional challenges young people face in today's complex world.
“At Childline, we're seeing firsthand how pressures at home, school, online and in communities are affecting children's ability to manage and deal with difficult emotions.
“This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to emphasise how crucial it is for children to learn healthy ways to process and express their feelings. We are also reminding young people that our counsellors are here to provide that safe space and can help them to learn vital skills for their wellbeing."
Tips for Parents on Supporting Children's Mental Health:
- Create regular check-in times: Establish consistent opportunities for conversations about feelings, perhaps during dinner, car rides, or before bedtime.
- Use open-ended questions: Ask "How are you feeling today?" rather than questions that can be answered with just "yes" or "no."
- Model healthy emotional expression: Show children how you manage your own emotions in a constructive way.
- Look for changes in behaviour: Notice shifts in sleeping patterns, appetite, social withdrawal, or increased irritability which may signal emotional struggles.
- Normalise seeking help: Talk positively about therapy, counselling, and support services.
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk. Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.