Half of adults think 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, while the same amount disagreed with the statement that children in trouble are often misunderstood and in need of professional help.

More than half (54 per cent) believe children are beginning to behave like animals, and more than a third said it felt like the streets were infested with children.

Barnardo’s chief executive Martin Narey said: "It is appalling that words like ‘animal’, ‘feral’ and ‘vermin’ are used daily in reference to children.  Despite the fact that most children are not troublesome there is still a perception that today’s young people are a more unruly, criminal lot than ever before."

Barnardo’s is launching a TV ad campaign to counter negative views on Monday 24th November.