Ireland’s national parent support helpline has taken approximately 7,000 calls this year, many from parents who are afraid of their children. Ms Hickie said 43% of all calls to Parentline this year were from parents who are afraid of their own child. Ms Hickie said: “Calls relating to anger and aggression continue to be the standout issue for parents ringing the helplines. “The calls are in relation to abusive behaviours being experienced by parents at the hands of their own children, living in their own homes. The other issue parents are increasingly worried about is vaping, with the issue accounting for 3% of calls in 2024 compared to just 1% the year before.

Source: Irish Examiner December 31, 2025 00:55 UTC