site.btaNational Children's Helpline Launches Daily Chat Service Starting January 1, 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, the chat application for the National Helpline for Children 116 111 of the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP) will be available every day from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the SACP announced on Monday. The chat can be accessed by any child through the official website of the National Helpline for Children.

The chat application was launched in mid-2023 after an analysis of data from the calls to the helpline revealed a significant number of silent calls. These often indicated fear or anxiety about speaking, but also highlighted the need for children to share their concerns.

"The National Helpline for Children 116 111 is increasingly trusted and recognized by both children and adults, but the chat application is just as important. It offers a convenient, child-friendly way for them to express what’s bothering them, be heard, and get support if needed. This is why the State Agency for Child Protection has worked hard to gradually extend the hours during which the chat application is available. Starting 2025, experts from SACP will provide online consultations every day," said SACP Chair Teodora Ivanova.

The National Helpline for Children 116 111 is available free of charge, 24/7, to children and adults who care for them. 

As with calls to the National Helpline, chats through the application are anonymous and completely free of charge. Personal information is handled in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and the Personal Data Protection Act.