Telephone support 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, hotlines can be a less formal way to get some help, and might be exactly what you need. We’ve compiled some 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) 8am-8pm, 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 Website

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 Website

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 Website

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 Website

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 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday Website

Practical advice and support for carers, including help, information on respite and financial help.

National Debt Helpline

1800 007 007 9.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday Website

Financial stress can put strain on even the healthiest relationships. Get some resources or phone support if you’re experiencing financial difficulty. Online chat is also available.

Gambling Help Online

1800 858 858 24 hours, 7 days Website

Support for anyone affected by gambling. Online chat support is also available.

Witness to War Hotline

1800 845 198 Monday to Friday across Australia Website

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