Bullying is ‘biggest threat children face’ as six in ten adults fear their youngsters being victimised ‘in or outside school’
Six in 10 parents believe being victimised is the greatest threat to children inside and outside of school over problems such as sexual abuse, alcoholism and drug addiction
BULLYING is the biggest threat faced by children today, a parents’ survey has revealed.
Six in ten adults say they fear their youngsters being victimised in or outside school more than any other risk.
They listed it well above sexual abuse, drug addiction, boozing and smoking a their greatest concern.
But many other mums and dads worry constantly about their kids piling on weight or being affecting by unrealistic expectations of body image portrayed on TV.
The everyday fears of parents are laid bare in a survey by telly presenter and campaigner Martin Roberts.
His poll found 61 per cent of parents state that bullying poses the biggest threat to children.
Overeating and obesity is a major concern for 59 per cent, followed by body image, which worried 57 per cent.
Sexual abuse worries 56 per cent of parents, while the fear of children seeing inappropriate content of the internet is a big issue for 55 per cent.
Mr Roberts, who has launched his own charitable foundation, said: “Protecting children from the threats they encounter in their day-to-day lives is one of society’s main tasks.
“Our research shows how varied those threats are – from physical dangers such as sexual abuse and obesity through to psychological concerns like neglect and bullying.”
He added: “Ultimately, education is absolutely vital; young people must be taught about the threats they could encounter and how best to avoid them.”
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The new research comes as a separate survey by Action for Children found that a third of young people suffer from mental health problems.
The study by the Martin Roberts Foundation shows how varied the dangers facing young folk are.
And it underlines how more recent trends in social media and online content poses new challenges in the task of keeping kids save from harm.”
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