kids-line Salzburg: “An anchor that gives children support and structure”
The “kids-line” recorded an increase in consultations. The central themes are violence and loneliness.
SALZBURG. It is precisely these “special days” such as birthdays or the Christmas season that loneliness weighs particularly heavily in children and young people. “During this time, they clearly experience what they just don’t have,” says Theresa Schimke, coordinator of the “kids-line”.
This means fewer material things, dirty is about the security in the family, an intact social environment, the feeling of being accepted, which is often lacking. The employees of the “kids-line”, which forms part of the telephone pastoral care and is there especially for children and young people, want to stand by and listen to you. Action is very easily accessible via chat or telephone, anonymously and without registration.
Continuous increase
In November, the “kids-line” reached a new “record” with 3,000 inquiries. “With the first lockdown in 2020 there was a massive increase. Since then we have seen a sustained increase,” says Schimke. The youngest are eight years old, the majority are children over the age of ten, mostly girls. “It’s loneliness and all forms of violence, from domestic to psychological, that children and young people are struggling with. And unfortunately, we’re also seeing self-harm rising among young children under the age of 14. Suicidal thoughts are also on the rise expressed,” explains Schimke.
The “kids-line” also shows that the number of children suffering from mental illnesses has increased. “Of course we do not make any diagnoses, we are not a substitute for therapy. Our job is to listen and advise. But yes, we are already noticing that depressive moods or social anxiety have increased,” says Schimke.
Volunteer
If necessary, the “kids-line” will set up an “expert chat” in cooperation with the child and youth ombudsman and the violence protection center. “For example, when it comes to the topic of violence. Then there are experts chatting with the child in question. It’s then about building bridges, bringing the children together with a relevant specialist agency. We offer the options; if a child decides to do so, the initial contact takes place anonymously in our chat room,” explains Schimke.
Around 80 volunteers work for the “kids-line”, but the demand would be higher. “The prerequisite is that you have relevant training or are in training,” says Schimke, who has been with the “kids-line” since 2019 and, in addition to her function as a coordinator, also works as a consultant on a voluntary basis.
provide structure and support
She sees the “kids-line” as a “low-threshold, safe place, as a saving anchor that wants to give the children structure and support. It’s about building trust, being there and stabilizing it. We call it a ‘trust space ‘, where the children can lay aside their worries and get a feeling of being accepted,” explains Schimke. The “kids-line” can be reached 365 days a year from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 0800/234 123.
You can find a report on telephone counseling here:
Christmas is a particularly critical time for many