Children as young as five are experiencing suicidal thoughts according to the latest data released by Kids Helpline.
The Leader can reveal the national counselling service figures show that almost 10 per cent of the 400 children aged between 5 and 12 called the helpline to talk about suicide.
The data also revealed out of 395 people aged 5-25 surveyed about cyber-bullying, 52 per cent said they engaged in cyber-bullying behaviour after being cyberbullied themselves.
Kids Helpline virtual services manager Tony Fitzgerald told Leader the figures were alarming.
“Last year we had more than 3000 people aged from 5 to 25 contact us about cyber safety and 14 per cent of those were experiencing suicidal thoughts at the time of contact,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
He said although the figures were concerning, they showed young people were reaching out to the helpline for support.
– Suzan Delibasic
Read more: Data Reveals 5 Yr Old Children Are Discussing Suicidal Thoughts
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