Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years.

Since March 1991, young Australians have been contacting Kids Helpline about a wide range of issues; from everyday topics such as family, friends and school to more serious issues of child abuse, bullying, mental health issues, drug and alcohol use, homelessness and suicide.

Counselling and support is provided via the phone, web and email. Email counselling began in 1999 and real-time web counselling commenced in 2000.Children and young people have direct access to a counsellor and can choose to speak with either a male or female counsellor. They are also able to arrange to speak again with the same counsellor to work through their issues.

Counsellors empower young people by assisting them to:
  • Develop options
  • Identify and understand the consequences of a particular course of action
  • Facilitate more productive relationships with family and friends, and
  • Provide information on local support services.

Kids Helpline counsellors are fully qualified professionals who undergo additional training at Kids Helpline. No other organisation speaks with as many young Australians. On average, each day counsellors conduct 170 counselling sessions, which include:

  • 20 sessions with young people having suicidal thoughts
  • 30 sessions with young people disclosing self-harming issues
  • 73 sessions relating to mental health concerns

Need to speak to a counsellor?

Last reviewed: September 2019

Information from this partner

Found 57 results

Feeling lonely | What to do when you feel alone | Kids Helpline

Everybody gets lonely once in a while. Learn how to handle your feelings when you do start feeling down by talking to a counsellour at Kids Helpline today.

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Negative Peer Pressure & How to Deal with it | Kids Helpline

When your mates pressure you to do or go along with something you don’t like, it’s a form of peer pressure. We've got tips and info to help you out in these tricky situations.

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Building Resilience | What is Resilience? | Kids Helpline

Learn more about what resilience is and developing resilience. If you need some support to deal with life challenges, get in contact with Kids Helpline today!

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Family relationships | Get Help Today | Kids Helpline

Learn more about how to overcome family challenges and to strengthen family relationships. Contact Kids Helpline today! We are FREE to call & available 24/7.

Read more on Kids Helpline website

There's a new member in my family | Kids Helpline

A new baby in the family can be a big change. If you start to become confused and lost, call Kids Helpline, jump on WebChat or send us an email today!

Read more on Kids Helpline website

I'm thinking about suicide | Find Help | Kids Helpline

Sometimes we feel hopeless and think things won’t ever get better. There is always hope. No matter how hopeless you feel, Kids Helpline is here to help.

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Taking risks | Deciding to take a risk or not? | Kids Helpline

Everybody takes risks. Some are more dangerous than others. If you are confused or worried about certain risks, Kids Helpline can help you figure it out.

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Helping kids cope with exam stress | Kids Helpline

Exam time can be a challenging experience for everyone. Learn more about how to cope and manage exam stress by getting in contact with Kids Helpline today!

Read more on Kids Helpline website

All About Respect | Why Is Respect Important? | Kids Helpline

Respect is the glue that holds your relationships together. Learn ways to be respectful and know what to do when somebody isn’t respectful toward you.

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Communication Tips | How to Talk to Your Kids | Kids Helpline

It can be difficult for young people to communicate with their parents. Learn more about communication for kids. Get in contact with Kids Helpline today!

Read more on Kids Helpline website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.