First online chat service for distressed children launched

The Singapore Children's Society launched Tinkle Friend Online on April 21, 2014, the only online chat service for distressed children here. -- PHOTO: TINKLEFRIEND.COM/SCREENGRAB 
The Singapore Children's Society launched Tinkle Friend Online on April 21, 2014, the only online chat service for distressed children here. -- PHOTO: TINKLEFRIEND.COM/SCREENGRAB 

The Singapore Children's Society launched on Monday Tinkle Friend Online, the only online chat service for distressed children here.

The service is for primary school children. It provides support, advice, and information to lonely and distressed kids, especially in situations when their parents or main caregivers are unavailable.

The society said it saw a possible demand for the service as it noticed children were now more tech-savvy.

The service, manned by trained staff and volunteers, has helped more than 200 children since its soft launch last December.

It is available online at www.tinklefriend.com.

The society also runs a toll-free helpline on 1800-2744788.

The online chat service is available from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on weekdays, while the helpline operates from 9.30am to 11.30am and from 2.30pm to 5pm on weekdays.

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