Summer vacation has begun, a time many children and teenagers have been looking forward to.
But when school, training and other routines are put on hold, exposure to violence and conflict can increase, according to Bris, Children's Rights in Society. The organization, which works for the well-being of children, urges adults to be especially aware of young people's vulnerability during the summer.
The counselor: Show consideration and be patient
Bris emphasizes that adults have a great responsibility. If you suspect that a child in your environment is suffering from mental illness or enduring family conflicts such as domestic violence, it is important to show that you care, be patient and take action.
Even if the child doesn't want to tell, it's important that someone shows concern and asks how things are going, says Jennifer Pettersson, counselor at Bris.
A child may not respond the first, second or third time. In that case, it is the repeated attention that becomes valuable and important in the long run.
It is important to remind yourself that children are dependent on adults, Pettersson says, adding that it's important to dare to ask difficult questions.
Children describe disappointment when they talk to us at Bris about living in a violent or destructive home environment, and that there were adults who saw this and should have acted.
There is great disappointment among children who feel that they have been let down by adults close to them.
“Better ask once too much”
At the national helpline, there is often a sense of anxiety before the holidays, Bris says, with the summer particularly standing out because the holidays extend over ten weeks.
Jennifer Pettersson says that adults who are unsure how to proceed and want advice are welcome to contact Bris' adult helpline.
It is better to ask once too much than once too little.
Bris had 10,988 contacts with children during the 2025 summer holidays, compared to 10,330 the previous year. An increase of six percent.
Almost half of the conversations, 46 percent, were about mental health. A fifth, 24 percent, concerned family and family conflicts, while 16 percent concerned violence, abuse and violations.
Compared to previous years, conversations about physical violence increased by 52 percent, family relationships by 35 percent, and online-related issues by 58 percent.
The organization Bris offers free support from counselors via phone, chat, email and text message.
Source: Bris
