site.btaOver 21,000 Calls Made to National Child Helpline Since Start of Year - Labour Minister

A total of 21,362 calls have been received by the national child helpline 116 111, operated by the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP), between January 1 and November 1, 2025, Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov said on Wednesday during a meeting of the SACP’s Children’s Council. A total of 10,879 consultations were held, including 5,914 with children, and 1,724 alerts about children at risk were registered, the Minister added.

The meeting of the Children’s Council focused on the online safety of children and young people in the context of artificial intelligence use. The event took place at the Boyana Residence and was opened by SACP Chair Teodora Ivanova.

Gutsanov said there should be a discussion on when it is appropriate for children to be allowed access to social media. According to experts, he added, children under the age of six should not be exposed to screens at all, as this can affect their mental health.