This is one of the busiest times of the year for Childline

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children revealed that there has been an increase in calls this year.

The data was recorded between December 23rd and December 25th this year.

The ISPCC revealed that there has been a 12 percent increase in calls compared to this time last year.

St Stephen's Day is also expected to be one of the busiest days of the year for the helpline.

The team confirmed that one noticeable trend is a rise in children calling Childline who are at extremely high risk of harm.

National Childline listening co-ordinator, Elizabeth Donlon Fox, stated:

"Our data reveals that today, December 26th, will be one of the busiest days of the year for our team of staff and volunteers at Childline.

"We expect that over 250 children and young people will reach out to us today because of something that has happened to them over Christmas."

Chief executive of the ISPCC, John Church added, "For too many children and young people, Christmas simply doesn’t happen."

"They turn to Childline for support, and our amazing staff and volunteers are there for them 24/7 over Christmas, as they are throughout the year.

"We depend on donations for up to 90 percent of the funding which keeps us listening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. Without this help, we would not be able to be here for every child who needs us."

The public has been urged to support the charity.

To help Childline help those children whose Christmas dreams have turned to nightmares, go to ispcc.ie. 

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