Young Londoners worried about bullying and crime

Bullying continues to be a growing area of concern for children living in London, a new survey published this week has confirmed.

The survey of more than 200 Londoners aged between 11 and 17, carried out on behalf of London Councils, shows that 39% of them were concerned abut bullying at the end of 2006, compared to 33% in 2005.

For the second year running, crime was the issue that concerned young people the most – although this figure fell from 55% in 2005 to 51% in 2006.

Young Londoners were also worried about bad behaviour and people who use or sell drugs.

Commenting on the figures, London Councils executive member for children and young people James Kempton said local councils in the capital were working closely with young people and the police to tackle issues such as crime, bullying and antisocial behaviour, and encouraged young people to keep speaking up and getting involved in the issues affecting them.

However, only a quarter of young Londoners think councils listen to what young people have to say, and only a third think they do enough to protect them.

Contact the author: Lauren Revans