COVID-19 increased calls to Child Helpline.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the number of children and young people who require assistance due to various challenges such as abuse, neglect, violence, and mental health issues. As a result, the Child Helpline, which is a toll-free service that provides assistance to children in need, has seen a significant increase in the number of incoming calls. The doubling of incoming calls may indicate an increased need for child protection services during the pandemic, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on children's well-being. It also underscores the importance of such services in providing a safety net for vulnerable children and young people in times of crisis.