Where Does Childhood Go? Let’s Protect Children and Teenagers from Repression Together

Where does childhood go? Let’s protect children and teenagers from repression together

Minors are being persecuted more and more often for political reasons. In 2025, the number of political cases against teenagers increased 4.5-fold compared with 2021. For many parents, the intensifying pressure has become a source of confusion, constant anxiety, and fear.

All summer long, together with psychologists from the First Line project, we will be advising parents whose underage children have suffered directly or indirectly from the Russian political regime.

▶️ What kinds of issues can you reach out about?

you feel that your child is being pressured because of their views, words, or actions;

you are afraid that your teenager may face problems because of posts, comments, or other activity;

your child is facing bullying, pressure, or isolation from the school or teachers;

you or your child are being summoned for talks at school, the police, or other authorities;

you fear that your child may be drawn into dangerous actions through the internet (for example, for money or “on assignment”);

an administrative or criminal case has been opened against your child for political reasons;

one of the parents is imprisoned in a political case and the child is having a hard time with it;

you are generally anxious about your child, about their future, and feel that being a parent is especially hard for you right now.

▶️ How does it work?

Write to the First Line psychological support bot on Telegram. A psychologist will reply to you, and you will arrange a consultation.

The consultation takes place in text format and lasts about an hour. It is anonymous and free.

▶️ Can the child write themselves?

Unfortunately, for now we advise adults only. But you can write to the First Line bot — they will share a list of trusted organizations you can contact depending on your situation.

🔗 More answers to questions and project details — at the link.