CHARITY workers revealed today that many children in Wales have been struggling with mental health issues, many coming from online pressures.

More than half of all Childline counselling sessions in Wales supported children with mental health struggles.

The NSPCC Childline service delivered 2,430 counselling sessions to young people in Wales with mental and emotional health issues in 2024-25, which prompted the charity to launch a new campaign to help young people look after their mental wellbeing.  

The top concerns raised when young people discussed their mental health included anxiety, suicidal thoughts and feelings, stress, self-harm and depression.

Childline director Shaun Friel said: “We know that mental health is one of the biggest issues facing young people today, and it can stem from a range of factors, some of which can come from the online world.

“When you’re spending hours online every day and being exposed to comparison, negativity, and pressure to present a perfect version of yourself, it takes its toll.”