Prof Michael Hardiman is concerned that fathers are becoming "more distant and detached", although Parentline's latest figures might suggest otherwise.

In 1980, when Parentline started, only one father rang the service during the entire first year. Two decades later, in 2001, fathers made up 12 per cent of the 5,510 callers.

Fathers are taking more responsibility for parenting. In the past, fathers called Parentline saying things like: "my wife is having difficulty controlling our child's behaviour, how would you advise her?" Today, more fathers see their child's behaviour as a problem for them to deal too.

Most parents who call are concerned about their teenagers - and the calls come from every walk of life, all social classes and from all parts of the State. For the first time last year, the service got more calls about girls than boys. This isn't surprising, considering that more and more girls are acting like lads. In the past, parents highlighted emotional issues concerning girls - not getting on, untidness and answering back. Now parents are most concerned about their girls having sex, drinking, taking drugs and staying out too late.

Interested parents are invited to Parentline's annual conference, this Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, Foster Place, Dublin. The theme of the conference is "Understanding Teenagers". Admission is free.