Sergey Kravtsov Opens the "School of Trust" Psychological Help Line

On September 11, the Russian Ministry of Education launched the "School of Trust" psychological help line. Via the single free number 8-800-707-02-01, school students, their parents, and teachers can report any problematic situations arising in educational organizations. The round-the-clock line is organized on the basis of the Federal Coordination Center for Ensuring the Development of Psychological and Pedagogical Assistance in the Education System of the Russian Federation at Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE).

"Any parent, school student, or educator can call the line, ask a question, and receive qualified assistance. Often, parents and teaching staff do not react to signals that lead to tragic consequences. It is important not to be afraid to contact the line; this will help prevent the situation from developing further. The Ministry is creating conditions for the accessibility of psychological and pedagogical assistance in various formats, including remotely. We will help cope with problematic situations", noted Russian Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov.

The head of the Russian Ministry of Education also personally answered one of the incoming calls. A girl spoke about a bullying situation at school. The Minister listened to the request, took it under control, and passed the phone to a specialist who continued the conversation with the schoolgirl and provided the necessary assistance.

Sergey Kravtsov also urged school students to contact the helpline if they receive calls with offers to transfer money from the bank cards of parents, relatives, or friends, or to perform certain actions on behalf of various organizations. He noted that such actions can lead to severe and even tragic consequences. The Minister also recommended verifying information received on the internet and social media.

Calls are taken by qualified counselling psychologists of the Federal Coordination Center for Ensuring the Development of Psychological and Pedagogical Assistance in the Education System of the Russian Federation at MSUPE. All specialists have specialized training and work according to approved algorithms of counselling support.

Deputy Head of the FCC MSUPE Anna Ermolaeva noted that the line was created in response to inquiries received by the center on various issues of school life.

"The specialists are trained to work with school-related problems and issues that may arise for a child or parent in the process of education. The line is staffed by psychologists who provide not only psychological but also informational and coordination assistance. At the same time, the principle of confidentiality is observed, which is especially important in crisis situations", she noted.

Moscow State University of Psychology and Education has more than 20 years of experience in distance counselling and psychological education for children and adults. In the first half of 2026 alone, the existing emergency assistance lines of MSUPE received more than 12,500 calls, and in the first week of September — more than 500 inquiries.

MSUPE Rector Arkady Margolis emphasized that the line is staffed by trained, qualified psychologists who have repeatedly provided assistance in emergency situations. He also noted the importance of drawing attention to the possibility of seeking help not only for children themselves but also for parents:

"Research shows that it is parents who have more barriers preventing them from seeking help. Therefore, it is important that the 'School of Trust' psychological help line also inspires trust among parents", said the MSUPE Rector.

The number (8-800-707-02-01) can be used to receive support on a wide range of topics: adaptation at school, aggressive behaviour, worries about academic performance, reluctance to attend classes, low learning motivation, conflicts with peers and adults, difficulties in parents' communication with the school, lack of friends, unrequited love, and other issues. In addition, a message can be left on the Russian-language university's website, where a special section with a feedback form is already operating.

The ceremonial event was attended by Irina Pleshcheva, Head of the Department of Projects and Programs in the Sphere of Upbringing of Children and Youth of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation; Svetlana Sotova, Consultant of the Department of Projects and Programs in the Sphere of Upbringing of Children and Youth of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation for Public Projects; representatives of MSUPE; Irina Shilkina, Director of the Department of External Communications and Reference of the Russian Ministry of Education; and Larisa Falkovskaya, Director of the Department of State Policy for the Protection of Children's Rights of the Russian Ministry of Education.

Famous cultural and media figures took part in the launch of the line: Yulia Baranovskaya, Tatyana Kurtukova, psychologist and psychotherapist, author of the book "Imperfect Parents" Irina Mlodik, as well as teenage bloggers.