What’s happening?
Dolly’s Dream has launched 13 DOLLY, a national Bullying Support Line and web chat.
The service links young people and parents to qualified Kids Helpline or ParentLine counsellors.
The launch follows polling that suggests teens are increasingly using AI tools when they feel sad.
Why it matters
Digital habits are changing how young Australians seek 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.
The organisation says a human response matters.
“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.”
By the numbers
The polling paints a clear picture of digital support trends.
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65% of 374 parents surveyed said their child uses AI tools.
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Among those users, 92% were aged 13 to 20 and 3% were under nine.
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26% used AI when feeling sad, while 76% of 96 TikTok respondents said they prefer online chat over a phone call.
Zoom in
Most young respondents in the TikTok poll chose chat over voice.
That insight directly shaped 13 DOLLY’s design.
Zoom out
AI tools may be quick, but Dolly’s Dream says trained guidance is critical.
The organisation has asked media to include 13 DOLLY in all bullying coverage.
What to look for next
As awareness grows, more teens may shift from AI chats to trained counsellors.
Phone 13 36 559
Search 13 DOLLY or visit dollysdream.org.au