Mpumalanga’s Childline is a lifeline for children in need of help
The organisation’s 166 number is a 24-hour toll-free crisis line that acts as a communication line for children and their families.
During 2023, 30 000 calls were made to Childline Mpumalanga.
Childline is a 24-hour toll-free crisis line that acts as a communication line for children and their families.
Dr Benita Nel, the director of Childline Mpumalanga, stated that statistics show it can take an average of 21 calls for a child to trust an operator. These operators are trained to listen to each child and their concerns.
Any child, parent, family member or concerned community member can phone the 116 helpline. This number is used in about 56 other African countries, so if someone travels to one of these countries, they can call the 116 number and be connected to the closest Childline helpline. These calls can be made anonymously.
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The line serves as the initial point of intake where matters concerning the welfare and care of a child can be reported. The telephone counselling service is available to children up to 18 years of age, as well as adults with concerns about children.
At Childline, the focus is placed on breaking the generational cycle of gender-based violence, said Nel. She emphasised that Childline aims to show children that there is a different way to live and improve each child’s life.
When should you call Childline?
• If you are a child who is in danger, suffering negligence, sexual or physical violence, are pregnant, have suicidal thoughts, are stressed, experiencing relationship troubles, feeling sad or facing school problems.
• If you know a child whose life is in danger or who is suffering negligence.
• If you are a parent or guardian concerned about the welfare of your child.
Nel emphasised that if you don’t report it, then you support the violence, negligence or ill treatment of children.
