Thousands of teens living in fear of crime
THOUSANDS of teens across Wales are living in fear of crime, new research suggests.
The study looking into mental health of young people commissioned by The Children’s Society, shows fear of crime is damaging the wellbeing of 102,000 teenagers in Wales.
One in three teenage girls are fearful of being followed by a stranger and one in four boys worries about being assaulted.
The charity’s 2017 Good Childhood Report has found that an estimated 48,000 older children in the region are contending with at least seven problems in their lives, significantly harming their happiness.
Fear of crime emerged as the most worrying issue for children aged 10-17, with almost two in five worried about falling victim to two or more crimes.
One teenage girl interviewed by the charity said: “(They’re) blowing kisses, men beeping, asking (your) age, whistling, shouting, stopping vans next to you, asking for (your) number.”
A 13-year-old boy said: “You’ve got to fight to like, kind of, survive around this area.”
Youngsters in Wales also worry about money – 98,000 teenagers fearing that their parents will struggle to pay the bills.
The survey revealed that more than half (53%) have experienced at least three hardships in the last five years, making them markedly unhappier.
Teenagers who experience seven or more serious issues in their lives are 10 times more likely to be unhappy than those who have experienced none.
According to The Children’s Society, the findings support its determination to focus more closely on helping children who are facing what it calls “multiple disadvantage”. Other disadvantages identified include having a parent with a serious illness, suffering neglect and being at risk of homelessness.
Matthew Reed, chief executive of The Children’s Society, said: “It is alarming to see that millions of teenagers are contending with a multitude of problems in their lives and suffering as a result.
“Teenagers are coming under pressure in all areas, and this is damaging their wellbeing. Sadly, we know many of these teenagers will only get help if they reach crisis point – such as running away from home, or abusing alcohol or drugs.
“With a £2bn funding gap for children’s services looming, children are increasingly finding themselves with nowhere to turn, putting them at greater risk.”
The charity is calling for the UK government to address the shortfall in children’s services, predicted to reach £2bn by 2020, and for local government, police forces, schools and other agencies to work together to improve the wellbeing of children in their area.