Boys are more likely to withhold their feelings

Too many boys with problems "bottle up" their feelings when they should be seeking help, according to the head of a helpline for young people in Scotland.

Anne Houston, Director of ChildLine Scotland, said that the reluctance of many young boys to seek help can have tragic circumstances.

She was speaking as ChildLine launched a national campaign challenging the stereotypes which prevent boys and young men from seeking help when they need it.

The charity said far fewer boys than girls call ChildLine and those that do have often waited until they are at breaking point.

f we look at the young male suicide rates in Scotland it would suggest that they do bottle things up too long Anne Houston ChildLine Scotland

Ms Houston said: "Boys do have problems, they do have very similar difficulties to girls.

"We hear from them about things like bullying, sexual abuse, physical abuse and family relationship difficulties.

"Unfortunately by the time they phone us often things are far more serious and rather more difficult to deal with.

"If we look at the young male suicide rates in Scotland it would suggest that they do bottle things up too long."

The campaign received support from Deputy Education Minister Euan Robson.

Mr Robson said: "It's vital to get the message across to boys and young men that it's acceptable to have problems and to ask for help.

"But, unfortunately, stereotypes of male behaviour still exist and prevent boys from seeking the help that they deserve.

"This campaign will explore the obstacles young men face when dealing with problems and ensuring their voices are heard."