ITU asks countries to set up global child helpline
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has asked all countries to establish a common, easy-to-memorise, toll-free telephone number for child helpline.
By PTI |
NEW YORK: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has asked all countries to establish a common, easy-to-memorise, toll-free telephone number for child helpline so that it can be used anywhere in the world.
Following a proposal from Child Helpline International (CHI), an organisation that represents child helplines, many countries had already started using 116 111 as the number where children could discuss their problems.
The ITU said suggested that this number could be used as a global helpline for children.
The CHI data shows that youngsters made more than 10.5 mn calls to child helplines during each of the years 2005 and 2006.
Child helplines have become an important mechanism for children to obtain support, counselling, referral and intervention, ITU said.
"Child helplines have become a lifeline for vulnerable children in many countries," Director of ITU's Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, Malcolm Johnson, said.
As the number becomes embedded in the global consciousness, more and more children will profit."
Following a proposal from Child Helpline International (CHI), an organisation that represents child helplines, many countries had already started using 116 111 as the number where children could discuss their problems.
The ITU said suggested that this number could be used as a global helpline for children.
The CHI data shows that youngsters made more than 10.5 mn calls to child helplines during each of the years 2005 and 2006.
Child helplines have become an important mechanism for children to obtain support, counselling, referral and intervention, ITU said.
"Child helplines have become a lifeline for vulnerable children in many countries," Director of ITU's Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, Malcolm Johnson, said.
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"ITU endorses the proposal to give added momentum to one harmonized number 116 111 being adopted worldwide, in addition to well-established existing numbers. Having a single number that will work everywhere will benefit children in need around the world.As the number becomes embedded in the global consciousness, more and more children will profit."
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