IF your child is being bullied, or you’re a young person experiencing bullying, you don’t have to deal with it alone.

The national anti-bullying organisation Dolly’s Dream last week launched 13 DOLLY - a confidential support line and web chat.

The service connects kids, teens and parents directly to a qualified Kids Helpline or ParentLine counsellor.

Its launch comes as new Dolly’s Dream polling suggests some young Aussies are seeking emotional support from unqualified sources like AI chatbots.

A Dolly’s Dream Instagram poll of 374 Australian parents conducted this month revealed 65 per cent said their child uses AI tools. Of the young AI users, 92 per cent were aged 13-20, while 3 per cent were under 9 years old and 26 per cent confirmed their child used AI for help when feeling sad.

Dolly’s Dream head Sally Sweeney said the launch of 13 DOLLY came at a time when more young people were using AI in Australia.

“We know that kids and teens are turning to AI for help, and while it will always give a response, AI can’t offer the safety or qualified guidance of a human counsellor.

“13 DOLLY provides that vital, real connection and that’s why we’ve created a web chat service alongside our phone line, so kids and teens can contact us anytime, in the way many are currently turning to AI.

“But the big difference is that when they use 13 DOLLY, they’ll actually be chatting with a qualified counsellor, who is ready to listen and trained to help.

“Our message to kids is clear. If you’re getting bullied, please turn to a human at 13 DOLLY, not an algorithm.”

To access support call 13 DOLLY (13 36 559) or for a web chat search 13 DOLLY or visit the Dolly’s Dream website.