What’s happening?
Dolly’s Dream has launched 13 DOLLY, a confidential Bullying Support Line and web chat service for children, teens and parents.
The national anti-bullying organisation says the service connects families directly to a qualified Kids Helpline or ParentLine counsellor.
Its launch follows new polling suggesting some young Australians are turning to AI tools for emotional support.
“We are proud to be launching 13 DOLLY, our Bullying Support Line, considering the number of young people currently 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,” said Sally Sweeney, Head of Dolly’s Dream.
Why it matters
For many parents, bullying is hard to detect and harder to navigate.
Dolly’s Dream says that while AI may feel accessible, it cannot replace a trained professional.
“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,” Ms Sweeney said.
“Our message to kids is clear. If you’re getting bullied, please turn to a human at 13 DOLLY, not an algorithm.”
By the numbers
Recent Dolly’s Dream polling highlights how families are navigating support.
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65% of 374 Australian parents surveyed this month said their child uses AI tools.
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Of those young AI users, 92% were aged 13 to 20, while 3% were under nine years old.
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26% of parents confirmed their child used AI for help when feeling sad, while 76% of 96 TikTok respondents said they prefer to chat online instead of speaking on the phone.
Zoom in
The Instagram poll of 374 parents focused on AI use among children.
The TikTok poll of 96 respondents asked how young people prefer to seek support.
Most chose online chat, shaping the decision to offer web chat alongside phone access.
Zoom out
Dolly’s Dream has requested that 13 DOLLY details be included in all reporting on bullying.
The goal is simple. Ensure families know qualified human help is available.
What to look for next
Parents and schools are expected to share the service widely. Support is available now.
Phone 13 36 559
Search 13 DOLLY or visit dollysdream.org.au
