The children’s charity Childline has answered almost 600 calls and texts since December 23rd.
The Irish charity said it is still receiving a large volume of calls from children distressed with ongoing problems.
The issues include family relationships, mental or emotional health, and sex, relationships and puberty.
Over 70 volunteers gave their time across the festive period to help ensure no child faced their challenges alone.
ISPCC Chief Executive John Church said the majority of calls centred around arguments and family conflicts.
“It’s been another very busy year for Childline,” he said.
“We know while Christmas is often a magical time for children, it’s not so for many, many children.
“The big issue this year was really family relationships, and that really centred around arguments/family conflicts, and that would have got worse as the day went on.
“They’ve told us about the impact of alcohol and substance abuse in the home.
“They also told us how alone and anxious they felt, and missing loved ones as well”.
Mr Church said issues around family relationships are “impacting on their mental health and emotional health.”
“We’ve seen this anxiety continue during COVID, and then post-COVID anxiety amongst children and young people.
“That has certainly continued throughout the year”.
He said many children saw others celebrating differently.
“Their feelings were exacerbated as they saw families and friends celebrating together and it’s not like that for them,” he said.
“They turned to Childline for a listening ear and a supportive voice to hear them.”
