Childline warning on ‘compromised’ helpline
The Childline helpline for children has been compromised by adults accessing it for ulterior reasons, the ISPCC has confirmed.
Childline is a 24/7 active listening service for children and young people across Ireland, which they can contact for free. The service is provided by the ISPCC.
Purported abuse
Childline volunteers have described feeling deeply uncomfortable as adults posing as children give lurid descriptions of purported sexual abuse.
“As a freephone service, Childline receives calls from members of the general public for reasons other than its stated purpose,” the ISPCC has said.
“There are clear practices, policies and procedures in place in relation to such contacts,” the organisation said.