Alex's Answer

Hi there, 

Welcome to Ask Alex. Thank you for your question.  

You are wondering if you need adult consent to talk to us here at Childline, as you feel your friend’s parents are not taking her mental health seriously. 

Firstly, just to say that you are a very caring friend, your friend is lucky to have you supporting them.  

Childline is open every day and is for all children and young people in Ireland up to and including the age of 18. You do not need an adult’s consent to chat with or phone us. You can talk with Childline’s 24-hour Listening Service in confidence, about anything that might be on your mind, and we won’t judge you, or tell you what to do.  

We are here to listen and we will help you to figure out the best options for you. We try to empower, support and protect young people like you and your friend every day. You can find some articles on mental health on our website, www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/ which may help you and your friend. There are also other websites/organisations which you and your friend may find useful www.jigsaw.ie and www2.hse.ie/mental-health/  . If your friend is struggling with her mental health, it would be important for her to talk to an adult she trusts, who can get her the help that she needs.

You can contact Childline for free at any time of the day or night by calling 1800 66 66 66 or you can chat with us live on this website via the Live Chat button. You do not have to have a problem to talk to Childline, you can just call us for a chat. Please remember, you are important too, and just as your friend needs support with her mental health, you also have the right to support while you take this journey with her. Childline is here for you both. 

We hope this helps you understand Childline a bit more. You and your friend are very welcome to come and say hi to us any time. 

Thanks again for contacting Ask Alex. 

Take care, 

Alex