24 September 2025
Together, we answered 9 million calls
It's official, Kids Helpline has now answered over 9 million contacts from children and young people across Australia.
That’s 9 million moments of courage. 9 million times someone reached out and found someone who listened.
Over the years, millions of children and young people have turned to Kids Helpline when it mattered most. Whether in the middle of the night, during a moment of crisis, or simply to feel heard, they’ve reached out – and because of your support, we’ve been there every single time.
Together, we’re celebrating this incredible milestone and the difference it’s made for millions of young lives.
What do 9 million calls look like?
1,106
Kids Helpline counsellors
1,343,988
hours of support
153
years of non-stop counselling
“Kids Helpline genuinely helped save my life. When I thought I had no one in this world who could understand the pain I was going through, Kids Helpline was there. Thank you for helping change the direction of so many young people's lives.”
–Victoria
“Even when I am alone, I am not really alone. I talked about bullying at school with EJ. He was very very nice and a great listener. I am really grateful he was the counsellor that was selected for me. He was very direct and clear. I would rate Kids Helpline 10/10.”
–Male, 13 years old
The history of Kids Helpline through the years
A look back at the moments that mattered
1991 – A young person steps into a phone booth, heart pounding. In their hand is a crumpled piece of paper – the Kids Helpline number, scribbled down by a teacher. They put the phone to their ear, dial, and wait. On the other end, someone picks up. It’s the first of millions of connections.
1993 – Kids Helpline goes national. From big cities to remote towns, children across Australia can now access free, 24/7 counselling. Because of this, a school principal in Western Australia sets up a small private room with a landline – programmed to dial one number only: 1800 55 1800.
“Thanks to your support, Kids Helpline were there to answer the phone when I felt like I had nothing left. Your donations don't just fund a service. They save lives, they give hope and they give young people the chance to truly live.”
–Lo
“I like how you will never not be heard, there will always be someone there. I like how much control over the situation I have; I can hang up the call or end the webchat whenever I want. Each time I’ve contacted Kids Helpline, I haven’t been forced to say anything I didn’t want to, and I feel safe and heard most of the time.”
–Female, 16 years old
1999 – A teenager logs into their family’s shared desktop computer. They open their Hotmail account and start typing an email. It’s hard to put their thoughts into words, but they hit send. It’s one of the first email contacts ever answered by Kids Helpline.
2000 – At lunchtime, a student sits quietly in the school library, nervously opening an internet browser. They find the Kids Helpline website and start a webchat. It’s instant. Real-time. A counsellor replies with empathy and patience. For the first time, they feel understood.
2010 – In their bedroom, a young person scrolls through Kids Helpline’s online articles. One catches their eye: “What to do if you’re being bullied.” They read it again and again. It gives them the courage to speak up and ask for help.
“Kids Helpline helped me when I had bad mood swings, and couldn’t take it anymore. They helped me understand that I am not alone and to find ways to calm down before yelling at my friends or parents. Thank you, Kids Helpline.”
–Female, 12 years old
“Kids Helpline is one of the best sites I’ve come across ever and I’m really grateful to my friends for showing me it.”
–Non-binary teenager
2011 – A child sits cross-legged on the classroom floor, fiddling with their workbook. Today isn’t like other lessons. On the big screen, a friendly Kids Helpline counsellor appears. They talk about feelings, friendships, and what to do when things get tough. With the help of video conferencing technology, Kids Helpline is right here in the classroom – through Kids Helpline @ School – starting conversations.
2016 – Late at night, another teen logs into My Circle – Kids Helpline’s peer-support forum (originally called Buddy Help). They’re not ready to talk to an adult, but here, among others their age, they feel safe. They post, get replies, and realise they’re not alone.
2025 – Someone sits curled up in the corner of the school yard, phone in hand. Around them, kids shriek and laugh, but the noise only makes the anxiety heavier. They tap to call Kids Helpline and a counsellor greets them. “I don't really know what to say...” they respond. They don’t know it yet, but they’ve just become the 9 millionth contact answered by Kids Helpline.
9 million+ reasons we’ll always be there
A lot of things have changed in those last 9 million contacts – technology, language, the way young people ask for help.
But one thing remains the same – because of you, they were not alone.
Some of them have told us what that moment meant. These are their words. This is your impact.
“For so many young people, accessing professional support or speaking with a trusted adult is not an option. Your support means that Kids Helpline can keep hearing, guiding and protecting young people. It is rare to have a service for young people, accessible and ready to listen 24/7. Your help makes that possible”
–Nadia
“I heard about Kids Helpline from school. Lately, my friends have been arguing a lot, and I feel out of place and depressed. The counsellor was very friendly and I trusted her, even if she was an absolute stranger. But I knew I was safe, and I felt secure just talking to her and rambling my emotions out.”
–Male, 5-12 years old, non-English speaking (as first language) community
Today, tomorrow, and for 9 million more
Thanks to your support, we’ve been there 9 million times. And we’ll be here – anytime, any reason – for the next 9 million. Every conversation is proof of the difference you help make possible. Your generosity ensures that when a young person reaches out, someone is always there to listen. Together, we’re not just answering calls – we’re changing lives, one contact at a time.
