21/05/2007

Survey reveals violence fear among schoolchildren

Many secondary schoolchildren see violence as a "major problem" for young people, a new survey has revealed.

The NSPCC survey of 11 - 16-year-olds found that 42% of children had been hit, punched or kicked at secondary school.

The survey of 1,172 boys and girls also found that 81% believed that violence was "a major problem for young people nowadays".

Away from school, 59% of children said that they had witnessed violence or bullying on the street, while a quarter had seen violence between family members.

The NSPCC has called on Gordon Brown to use his first 100 days as prime minister to tackle violence against children.

NSPCC chief executive Dame Mary Marsh said: "Although a snapshot, this survey shows how children themselves feel that violence invades their lives at school, home and on the streets, sometimes daily.

"Children should not have to accept violence as part of growing up. Much of it could be stopped if governments across the UK took action."

(KMcA/JM)


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