The number of boys calling the UK telephone helpline Childline has been rising. Historically, boys made up around 20% of calls, but over the last five years that figure has climbed to roughly one in three. That’s encouraging progress—yet boys still contact the service far less than girls, which suggests barriers remain.
What boys called about (2007/08)
- Bullying — 12,568 calls
- Physical abuse — 6,403 calls
- Family problems — 6,016 calls
- Facts of life — 5,362 calls
- Sexual abuse — 4,780 calls
- Sexuality — 3,510 calls
- Loneliness — 1,817 calls
- Rape — 1,803 calls
Even with the increase, twice as many girls as boys phone Childline. Why? One hypothesis is socialisation: during puberty many girls strengthen support networks through talk and sharing, while many boys are nudged toward competition and status—conditions that can make opening up about problems feel risky.
Why this matters
From bullying to abuse, the issues above can have lifelong consequences for health and relationships. For example, the long-term effects of bullying can include persistent anxiety, distrust, and isolation—patterns that are hard to break without support.
Making support truly accessible to boys
If we want boys to ask for help earlier and more often, services must meet them where they are. That can include:
- Offering male-friendly entry points (e.g., drop-ins at sports clubs or youth centers, discreet chat or text options).
- Framing topics without stigma—“building confidence” or “managing stress,” rather than labels that may feel shaming.
- Creating boys-only groups where some feel safer to talk. (Many men report they open up more in single-sex settings.)
- Teaching practical skills, like problem-solving and basic CBT strategies, that give quick wins and build trust.
Culture change also belongs at home and in the community. We can challenge the idea that “real men don’t talk about feelings.” If that message resonates, you might like this read on why boys don’t cry?—and how that stereotype hurts help-seeking.
What parents, carers, and mentors can do
Our job isn’t to force conversation—it’s to make it easy. Tell the boys in your life directly: “If something’s worrying you, you can always talk to me.” Repeat it. Keep your reactions calm, your questions open, and your support practical. For guidance on spotting concerns and first steps to help, see the NHS advice for supporting children and young people’s mental health.
Boys need our help; our task is to lower the friction to getting it. With services tailored to them—and adults who signal consistent availability—more boys will reach out before problems escalate.