On the occasion of International Child Helpline Day, the Child Helpline Association draws attention to the rise in online abuse and its major psychological impact on children and adolescents in Romania.
The Child Helpline Association marks International Child Helpline Day through a public call regarding children’s online safety and the importance of rapid access to counseling and psychological support services.
On May 17, 2026, Child Helpline International, the global network of child helpline services, celebrates International Child Helpline Day, a moment dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of support services for children and adolescents around the world.
This year, the theme of the international campaign is “encouraging the reporting of online dangers and promoting online safety”, a highly relevant topic amid the alarming increase in cases of digital abuse among minors.
Romania is represented within the Child Helpline International alliance by the Child Helpline Association, an organization that provides free counseling services through the European child helpline 116111.
According to data centralized by the Child Helpline Association, throughout 2025 there was a 73% increase in online abuse cases compared to the previous year. One in four children reported experiencing forms of online abuse such as cyberbullying, grooming, or online blackmail.
The psychological impact on children and adolescents is profound. Those affected reported feelings of shame, anxiety, fear, sadness, and depression — issues that directly affect their emotional and social development. The most vulnerable age group remains children aged 13 to 15, particularly exposed to cyberbullying, while adolescents aged 16 to 17 are the most affected by online blackmail.
Statistics show that in over 90% of reported cases, the victims were girls, while half of the aggressors were other minors over the age of 14.
The situation becomes even more concerning in the context of children’s emotional health. In 16.6% of the psychological counseling cases recorded in 2025, children showed suicidal thoughts and ideation, with some situations requiring urgent interventions carried out in collaboration with the Romanian Police.
“It is essential for every child to know that they have the right to ask for help, that their voice matters, and that there are people ready to listen and provide the support they need,” stated Cătălina Surcel, Executive Director of the Child Helpline Association.
At a global level, Child Helpline International points out that mental health issues, violence, and digital dangers remain the main reasons why children and adolescents contact child helpline services.
In Romania, the European child helpline 116111 is available free of charge and provides children with a safe space where they can receive counseling, guidance, and specialized support. The service is managed by the Child Helpline Association and Orange Romania.
International Child Helpline Day represents an important signal regarding the need to protect children in the digital environment and to develop effective mechanisms for emotional support and rapid intervention. In an increasingly connected online society, digital education, open communication, and access to specialized services can make the difference between vulnerability and safety for thousands of children and adolescents.
Sursa: Comunicat de presă – Asociația Telefonul Copilului & Child Helpline International, 15 mai 2026.
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