One in three teenage girls fear they will be stalked by stranger

MORE than a third of teenage girls are scared that they will be stalked by a stranger, research has found.

A staggering 2.2million youngsters – nearly 40 per cent – are concerned they will become the victim of crime or antisocial behaviour.

A quarter of boys and one in five girls live in fear of being assaulted, according to the study.

The report, from the Children’s Society charity, was based on a survey of 3,000 children. Experts said the avalanche of children experiencing worries and anxiety could lead to youngsters turning to drugs, alcohol or running away from home. The charity’s annual Good Childhood Report found that fear of crime had emerged as the most widespread issue for children aged ten to 17.

Matthew Reed, chief executive of The Children’s Society said: ‘Teenagers are coming under pressure in all areas of their lives, whether it’s being afraid to walk down their street, worrying about money, or having a parent who’s seriously unwell and this is damaging their well-being.’