Childline show, suggested to the BBC that they create "Childwatch", a programme about child abuse that was screened on 30 October 1986 on BBC1, the aim being to try to detect children at risk before their lives were in danger. Viewers were asked if they would take part in the survey in an edition of "That's Life!". A helpline was opened after the programme so that any child currently suffering abuse could call for help. Rantzen, together with her BBC producers Sarah Caplin and Ritchie Cogan, therefore suggested they should create a helpline specifically for children in danger or distress, to
Childline affected by HIV/AIDS live a better life. The freephone number, 0800 1111, was one of the first 0800 numbers to be issued in the United Kingdom. Before BT allocated this number to ChildLine, 0800 1111 was used as a test line number by technicians. Other early allocated 0800 numbers were 10 digit, including the prefix. ChildLine's number is one of only a handful of 8 digit 0800 UK numbers to ever have been allocated and the only one still in use. ChildLine is also available on the harmonised European number for child helplines, 116111. Young people can also contact ChildLine