CHILDLINE: Vital to know there’s no such things as being ‘normal’

Some said they were experiencing loneliness and low self-esteem, while others told us they felt they didn’t fit in or feel ‘normal’.

We’ve also had an increase in the number of young people contacting Childline about their body image, gender and sexuality since the first lockdown began back in March.

This year, we’ve heard a lot about ‘the new normal’, but it’s vital we remember there’s no such thing as ‘normal’, and being cut off from support networks, friends and families during the pandemic have made feelings of isolation, anxiety and insecurity worse.

The average number of Childline contacts about eating and body image disorders increased by almost a third (32%), since lockdown was introduced in March, and sessions about sexuality and gender identity increased by 16%.

A 14-year-old told our counsellors: "I think I'm transgender and I have no one to talk to. I have always been a tomboy and never fitted in with the girls.

“I was fine with it for a while, but recently I have become very uncomfortable with my gender and I'm really struggling.”

Our new Nobody Is Normal campaign aims to help children understand that these feelings are shared by young people everywhere, possibly even by their closest friends

We wanted to remind children they didn’t have to suffer in silence, and worked with young people on an animation showing a young boy struggling with his own anxiety while trying to appear ‘normal’.

It can be easy to imagine you’re the only person who is experiencing a certain problem, and it can be hard to speak out for the first time.

Our website has a wonderful message board section – it’s a secure, safe space, and lets children discuss their concerns and worries with people their own age who are sharing similar experiences.

And of course, our Childline counsellors are still here to offer advice and support to young people, and reassure them that whatever they’re going through, they don’t need to do it alone.