Support services and helplines for parents of teens

It’s common to have doubts and worries about how you’re parenting your teenager. Whether it’s for everyday stresses or for tough times, you might feel like you need a little bit of extra support. If you're looking for something you can access on the spot, parent hotlines can be a less formal way to get some help, and might be exactly what you need. We’ve compiled some helplines for hotlines that you can call.

Parentline Australia

Parentline offers free telephone counselling services to parents and carers all around Australia. In some states, Parentline may also offer face-to-face counselling, webchat, parenting courses, and provide resources for positive wellbeing for families.

• Parentline ACT 02 6287 3833 9 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)

• Parent Line NSW 1300 1300 52 9 am–9 pm, Monday to Friday; 4 pm–9 pm, weekends

• Parentline Queensland and Northern Territory 1300 30 1300 8 am–10 pm, 7 days

• Parent Helpline South Australia 1300 364 100 24 hours, 7 days

• Parentline Tasmania 1300 808 178 24 hours, 7 days

• Parentline Victoria 13 22 89 8 am–12 am, 7 days (including public holidays)

• Ngala Parenting Line (WA) 08 9368 9368 (metro) / 1800 111 546 (regional) 8 am–8 pm, 7 days

Other national helplines for parents of teens

If something specific is happening for your family, one of the lines below might help.

13YARN

13 92 76 24 hours, 7 days

13 YARN is a national helpline for Indigenous people who are going through a tough time and feel like having a yarn. All of the operators are Indigenous people who are trained to support you without judgement and to provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns.

Family Relationship Advice Line

1800 050 321 8 am–8 pm, Monday to Friday; 10 am–4 pm Saturday

Family Relationship Advice Line is a national telephone service that helps families affected by relationship or separation issues. This helpline provides Information on parenting arrangements after and during separation, and can also refer callers to local services that provide assistance.

Mensline Australia

1300 789 978 24 hours, 7 days

Mensline Australia is a free online and phone counselling for dads and men, for emotional health and relationship concerns. Online chat support is also available.

1800 RESPECT

1800 737 732 24 hours, 7 days

1800 RESPECT offers confidential and free information, counselling and support for those experiencing sexual assault or domestic and family violence or abuse. Information is also available for those supporting someone who is experiencing violence and abuse. Online chat available 24/7.

Carer Gateway

1800 422 737 8 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday

Carer Gateway provides practical advice and support for carers, including help, information on respite and financial help.

National Debt Helpline

1800 007 007 9.30 am–4.30 pm, Monday to Friday

The National Debt Helpline offers phone support and resources if you’re experiencing financial difficulty. Online chat is also available.

Gambling Help Online

1800 858 858 24 hours, 7 days

Gambling Help Online offers support for anyone affected by gambling. Online chat support is also available.

Witness to War Hotline

1800 845 198 Monday to Friday

The Forum of Australian Services to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) has launched the Witness to War hotline. Witness to War is a national free and confidential multilingual telephone hotline for people in Australia affected by overseas conflicts, staffed by mental health practitioners and bicultural support workers.

Frequently asked questions about parent helplines

When calling a parent helpline, who will I speak to?

Usually when you call a helpline, you'll chat with a trained telephone counsellor who has experience in the area of support you’re looking for. They can listen to your concerns, help you figure out your next steps and direct you to more helpful resources.

Does it cost money to use the services of a parent hotline?

Australian helplines are usually either free (look for 1800 numbers) or cost a standard call rate. Keep in mind that mobile phone calls may be charged at a higher rate. You can also ask about any costs when you call a particular helpline.

Is there support for parents of teenagers available outside of helplines?

Yes, there are a range of ways to find support as a parent although sometimes it can feel overwhelming to get started. If you’re looking for support beyond helplines you could start by:

• joining local parent groups or online communities

• asking your GP for a referral to a family counsellor

• meeting with your teen's school counsellor

• trying parenting workshops through your local community centre

• booking a ReachOut One-on-One Support session with a parents coach

• visiting headspace centres for family support

• visiting the Raising Children Network website for expert advice.

Remember, reaching out for support shows strength and you don't have to figure everything out on your own.