A poll commissioned by Barnardo’s shows that nearly half of adults think that children are dangerous.

The poll of 2,021 UK adults found that 49 per cent believed children were a danger to others and to themselves.

The survey also showed that:

• just under half (49%) of people agree that children are increasingly a danger to each other and adults;
• 43% agree something has to be done to protect us from children;
• more than a third (35%) of people agree that nowadays it feels like the streets are infested with children;
• 45% of public agree that people refer to children as feral because they behave this way;
• nearly half of people (49%) disagree with the statement that children who get into trouble are often misunderstood and in need of professional help.

Alongside the survey, Barnardo’s has launched a report, Breaking the Cycle, which said children engaged in illegal and antisocial behaviour were those in most need of support.

Further information is available on the Barnardo’s website.