From January 1st to November 1st, 2025, the National Children's Helpline 116 111, operating under the auspices of the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP), registered a remarkable 21,362 calls. This information was announced by Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov during the meeting of the Children's Council to the SACP. The event, which took place in the prestigious "Boyana" residence, proved to be a key forum for discussing pressing issues related to the well-being of adolescents.
Along with the figures reflecting the activity of the hotline, Minister Gutsanov emphasized that a total of 10,879 consultations were held during the same period. Of these, a significant part – 5,914 – were directly with children. This underlines the importance of the line as an indispensable resource for young people seeking support and guidance. In addition, the Minister noted the registered 1,724 reports of children in a risky situation. This alarming statistic highlights the need to continue efforts to identify and protect vulnerable children.
The meeting of the Children's Council was opened by the Chairperson of the SACP, Teodora Ivanova. The atmosphere was tense, given the topics discussed, which directly affect the future of children. The main highlights of the discussions were focused on the online safety of children and young people, with special attention paid to the impact of artificial intelligence. The participants were busy examining the challenges and opportunities that new technologies bring, as well as seeking effective measures to protect young people in the digital world.
Minister Gutsanov emphasized the need for an in-depth debate regarding age restrictions for access to social networks. He expressed the opinion, based on expert opinion, that children up to the age of six should not be exposed to screens, due to the potentially negative impact on their psyche. This opinion highlights the growing concern about the impact of technological devices on child development and well-being. The discussions in the "Boyana" residence underscored the need for carefully considered policies and measures to ensure the safety and health of children in the age of digital transformation.