13,500 calls were received on the National Children's Helpline 116 111 of the State Agency for Child Protection from January 1 to June 30, 2026. Over 9,700 consultations were conducted

13,500 calls were received on the National Children's Helpline 116 111 of the State Agency for Child Protection from January 1 to June 30, 2026. Over 9,700 consultations were conducted.

An analysis of data from the first half of 2026 shows that the National Children's Helpline 116 111 of the SACP is increasingly recognized by children as a place for conversation and consultation, while the majority of reports about a child at risk were submitted by adults.

The most common topic on which children seek advice is the need for communication, both with adults and with their peers. Experiences, worries, and feelings during adolescence, as well as family relationships, are also major topics in consultations with children.

The helpline continues to establish itself as a place where children and adults can receive timely consultation, advice, or just a conversation. This is supported by the fact that there are quite a few cases in which consultants are contacted several times by the same child to continue discussing the development of the situation that concerns them.

“Children need to be heard. We adults still have a lot to learn. Sometimes in our hectic daily lives, we all forget that something which seems insignificant to us now was extremely important and worrying in childhood. That is why it is absolutely necessary to pay attention to our children's emotions and difficulties. The National Children's Helpline 116 111 and its chat application are a way for children and the adults who care about them to be heard and supported 24 hours a day, seven days a week, completely free of charge,” said Dr. Teodora Ivanova, Chairperson of the SACP.

Nearly 1,100 reports of a child at risk were submitted to the NCH 116 111 in the first six months of 2026. The most common reason for these was a risk to the psychosocial and moral development of a child/children, followed by a risk of psychological violence. Risk of neglect and physical violence are also among the leading reasons for reports.

The chat application of the SACP’s National Children's Helpline 116 111 continues to be preferred mainly by children. Nearly 1,100 online consultations were conducted from January 1 to June 30 this year. The topics of conversation are primarily the risk of psychological and physical violence at home and at school. Children also seek support due to depression, panic attacks, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.

The chat application is available every day from 08:00 to 20:00 via the official website of the NCH 116 111.