Number of children in Wales receiving Childline counselling for anxiety doubles

The number of children from Wales receiving counselling for anxiety has almost doubled in the past two years, according to figures released by children's charity Childline.

Counsellors with the NSPCC-supported service delivered 608 sessions to children and young people from Wales in 2017/18 - up from 340 in 2015/16.

Children and teenagers who spoke to Children cited a range of reasons why they felt anxious. These included a range of issues such as bullying, cyber-bullying, eating problems, relationship problems and exam stress.

A number of those also experienced anxiety alongside other mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder while others reported suffering from abuse, neglect or bereavement.

Des Mannion from NSPCC Cymru, described the rise as worrying.

Responding to the figures, the Welsh Government said they are working to increase teaching around mental health in schools.