Loneliness was one of the main reasons that young people contacted Childline last year, according to‘heart-breaking’ data.

The NSPCC, which runs the helpline, said it delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions for children who had sought help for feelings of loneliness last year.

Among the specific reasons cited by the charity for youngsters making contact was seeing their friends having fun on social media and feeling as though they are missing out.