A teenager, speaking on the phone, expresses feelings of being trapped, saying, "I have the impression that I will never get out of this." Elise, a social worker for Fil Santé Jeunes, listens and asks questions to guide the teenager toward help near her home. Fil Santé Jeunes is a free helpline (0800 235 236) intended for people aged 12 to 25. Under the cover of anonymity, young people can discuss their difficulties and ask all their questions about physical and mental health, sexuality, violence, gender, or affective life. The teenager mentions a significant weight gain in a short period, stating she no longer likes her image, does not trust her general practitioner, and does not find support from her mother. Elise offers to search with her for a health professional who could help with her eating disorder. Amélie Billault, the general director of Fil Santé Jeunes, explains that the service acts as the "first line of defense, like a sentinel." Open seven days a week, the service employs 25 listeners with a wide range of training: nurses, educators, sociologists, psychologists, accompanied by two child and adolescent psychiatrists. In 2025, the service received more than 17,000 calls and handled more than 38,000 online conversations. According to Maryline Barthélémy, coordinator and clinical reference, chats facilitate dialogue "for those who have more difficulty expressing themselves or because some things are easier to say in writing." According to Fil Santé Jeunes statistics, half of the calls and online conversations concern mental health issues. This figure continues to increase. Amélie Billault notes that a few years ago, young people called a lot to talk about contraception, abortion, but today it is really linked to their discomfort. Most callers, who are increasingly younger according to the data collected, mainly want to find an attentive ear, someone who believes them and does not judge them. However, in the most worrying situations, especially in case of suicidal risk, "it is necessary to determine if the person is in immediate danger," recalls the director. The listeners can then request the lifting of anonymity and involve emergency services. Another reason for increased calls: violence among young people, within the family or with another authority figure. In a survey conducted in 2025 by Fil Santé Jeunes, nine out of ten respondents reported having experienced at least one form of violence. Amélie Billault adds that there is a strong presence of calls related to a situation of sexual violence. This summer, a conversation marked the service: a 21-year-old first discussed various topics before breaking down and recounting sexual abuse on his sister and himself at the ages of six and eight. It was the first time he had spoken about it. The call lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes during which the young man vomited several times. For each situation, Fil Santé Jeunes has a directory of professionals to whom to refer the callers: doctors, psychologists, adolescent houses, associations. However, they never know if the young people will follow up. Although the topics discussed are often difficult, "all calls are welcome," reminds Bruno Verrecchia, head of the telephone service. "We already had a call from a 5th grader asking for help with math!" he recalls, laughing. This time, no one could assist him but the middle school student was heard by a sympathetic adult.