A poll by children’s charity the NSPCC has revealed that one in three children in the UK feel some emotional distress most of the time.

The results were revealed as the charity launched a new online service for vulnerable children.

The poll discovered that 32 per cent of children aged 11-16 felt sad, depressed, lonely, worried, stressed, scared or angry most of the time.

For girls aged 14-16, the figure increased to almost half and overall only one in five children stated they felt secure.

‘While many children are generally happy, others are deeply troubled and desperate for help,’ said NSPCC chief executive Andrew Flanagan.

‘As we know, teenage years can be notoriously stressful for young people and the lucky ones have friends or parents to help them through their problems. But the scale of childhood distress in this poll is revealing.’

The NSPCC has launched a new campaign called ‘How u feelin?’ and children can use a website to email ChildLine and discuss their worries with an online counsellor or get support from other children on a message board.

One in five children who took part in the poll said they found it easier to discuss their feelings online.

To use the service visit the NSPCC Childline website here

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