A child helpline is a civil society organization, governmental body or social enterprise that provides help, support and counselling services to children (18 years and under) and/or young people (25 years and under) through online and offline means of communication.

Child helplines base their work on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UNCRC spells out the basic human rights that children everywhere have: the right to survival; to develop to their fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. The UNCRC also specifically gives children the right to be heard and to express their views without fear of harm or reprisal. Child helplines help to ensure that all children have the opportunity to be heard.

Often, child helplines are a child or young person’s first point of contact with child protection services, and the most trusted and accessible gateway for them to find much needed further support.