A study carried out by YouGov on behalf of Action for Children found that vast numbers of children worry about ‘adult issues’ like Brexit and violent crime, while half of all children surveyed are worried about poverty and homelessness.

These concerns closely followed by fears over terrorism (49%), the environment (48%) and issues surrounding inequality (such as sexism and racism – 41%).

The research, involving discussion groups and a quantitative survey of 5,000 children and adults, showed the majority of grandparents (62%), parents (60%) and children (34%) say childhoods today are getting worse.

Action for Children warned of a crisis emerging in modern childhoods as young people face unparalleled social pressures and a collapse in investment in children’s services.

As it marks its 150th year, the charity has launched a new campaign called ‘Choose Childhood’ calling on the UK Government to establish a National Childhood Strategy that puts children first and keeps them safe from harm

Action for Children’s chief executive Julie Bentley said: “What we want is for every child and young person in the country to have a safe and happy childhood with the foundations they need to thrive. The country is sleepwalking into a crisis in childhood and, far from being carefree, our children are buckling under the weight of unprecedented social pressures, global turmoil and a void in government policy which should keep them well and safe.

“Our research shows children worry about poverty, homelessness and terrorism and the vulnerable children we work with every day are facing traumas like domestic abuse or neglect, going hungry or struggling with their mental health, without the support they desperately need.

“For the past decade, the government has been asleep on the job when it comes to investing in our children. The next Prime Minister must wake up to this growing crisis and put our children first. We want to see the establishment of a National Childhood Strategy, so departments right across government can get a grip on these issues, backed with funding to deliver urgently needed services to keep children safe from harm.”