site.bta25,000-Plus Calls Made to National Child Helpline in 2025

The State Agency for Child Protection reported on Wednesday that its National Child Helpline (NCH) 116 111 received 25,356 calls in 2025, with 2,063 of these being reports of children at risk.

Most of the calls were related to psychological abuse, psychosocial and moral development, and health risks. The number of neglect cases was high. The data show a significant proportion of cases involving physical abuse, as well as instances where children were caught up in parental disputes or subjected to parental alienation. The helpline registered a significant number of reports relating to children dropping out of education, begging, homelessness, and vagrancy, as well as risks associated with anti-social behaviour. Alarming cases involving sexual violence and early motherhood were persistent.

The NCH provided 19,408 consultations to children, young people and adults seeking assistance and information. While boys call more often than girls, the percentage of calls indicating risk is higher among girls. The most common group seeking support or assistance are teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. Difficulties communicating with both peers and adults continue to be one of the main reasons why children seek consultation and advice.

The NCH chat application provided almost 1,000 consultations. Online consultations are mainly preferred by children in the 14 to 16 age group. The chat application is available to children every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and can be accessed via the official website www.116111.bg.