Children and teens are increasingly turning to Childline for advice and support on coming out to their parents.

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, the NSPCC-led service said it delivered 2,411 counselling sessions on the topic of sexuality and gender identity.

Over 40% of these counselling sessions focused on coming out, with many young people expressing their anxieties around being judged over their sexuality.

Young people revealed to counsellors they’re worried about their parents’ reactions and being alienated from friendship groups as a result of coming out.

One boy, aged 16, said: “I want to tell my parents I’m bisexual but I’m scared of what they’ll think. They come from a strict background, and I’ve seen them judging others for being gay.

“We’re close but they don’t have a clue about me. I don’t want to disappoint them, I just want to be accepted for who I am.”

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the most recent data suggests around one in 10 (10.4%) young people aged 16 to 24 years old identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB).

An NSPCC spokesperson confirmed to HuffPost UK there was a 4% increase in the number of counselling sessions focused on coming out last year, compared to the year before.

Shaun Friel, Childline’s director, said coming out “remains one of the main subjects that young people want to discuss” when contacting Childline about their sexuality or gender identity.

“It is a privilege that young people turn to the service to help them navigate a pivotal and potentially difficult moment in their lives,” he said.

“This Pride Month, I want to remind all young people that Childline is here to provide a safe, confidential space where they can discuss their feelings........

© HuffPost