Hundreds of children in Scotland have sought counselling over coronavirus fears, according to the NSPCC.

Since the first case of coronavirus was identified in the UK in January, the charity has held 390 counselling sessions through its Childline service.

Three-quarters of these were in the three weeks to April 8, with the spike coinciding with school closures and lockdown measures.

In more than half of the contacts, children talked about mental and emotional problems. Some were afraid their relatives may catch the virus, while others had suicidal thoughts and spoke about feeling trapped and isolated.

The charity has been forced to close its night service due to the pandemic and has suffered a 30 per cent drop in volunteer hours.

Children can still call 0800 1111 between 9am and midnight.

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Kat McMahon, a Childline volunteer, said: “At the moment, young people are contacting us with the same kinds of concerns as they usually do, such as family arguments, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts, but everything seems amplified.

“On top of their existing anxieties about what it is happening in their lives, they are now struggling with the anxiety around the lockdown.

"Many are struggling being away from school and their friends.

“For children living in homes where physical, emotional or sexual abuse is happening, there is now no escape for them. We hear from some young people who say they feel trapped because they cannot leave the house.”

Across the UK, Childline has held 363 sessions in the past week with children who have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect – up nearly a fifth from the week before.

One 15-year-old girl told Childline: “I am not happy at home. My parents are physically abusing me – it’s happening quite often now since schools closed and I’m really scared.

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“They hit me and often it leaves me with bruises. I really want to get out of the house and be somewhere safe and happy. I’m scared that my parents will get angry and hurt me more if I tell someone.”

Dave Black, another Childline volunteer, said the lockdown means children are not getting their usual support in the community.

“This situation is challenging for anyone but if you are already struggling it can be extremely difficult,” he said.

“Children are saying they are missing school – for some school is their safe place and where they get support and fed.”

The NSPCC has launched an emergency appeal called We’re Still Here For Children to boost funds for its Childline service.

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