Fear of crime is damaging the wellbeing of many Monmouthshire teenagers, with one in three teenage girls fearful of being followed by a stranger and one in four boys worried they’ll be assaulted, new research from The Children’s Society claims.

The charity’s 2017 Good Childhood Report has found that an estimated 1,700 older children in the County are contending with at least seven serious problems in their lives, significantly harming their happiness. Fear of crime has emerged as the most widespread of the issues for children aged 10-17, with almost 2 in 5 worried about becoming a victim.

One teenage girl interviewed by the charity said, ‘They’re blowing kisses, men beeping, standing 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 survive around here. You have to stick up for yourself the whole time’.

The Society also reports many children worry over 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, ‘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 is seriously unwell and this is damaging their well-being.

‘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 £2 billion funding gap for children’s services looming, children are increasingly finding themselves with nowhere to turn, putting them at greater risk’.