Children’s biggest social fears include being made fun of, left out and teased

CHILDREN’S biggest social fears include being made fun of, left out, and teased about how they look, research found.

A poll of 1,000 children aged six to 11 discovered 29 per cent worry about someone teasing them over the clothes they wear.

And 26 per cent fret about being the only one in their class who wasn’t invited to a party.

It also emerged 47 per cent have found themselves in situations where they weren’t sure if friends were joking with them, or actually being mean.

A third admitted that, at some point, they have felt as though they don’t ‘fit in’, leaving them feeling sad, uncomfortable and awkward.

While as many as 37 per cent have been bullied in some form by their fellow peers and six in 10 have witnessed it happening to their classmates.

The survey was commissioned by Monster High, which has teamed up with the Anti-Bullying Alliance to support its ‘Project Belonging’ mission and help children and parents to back efforts to reduce bullying.

Speaking as schools prepare to Choose Respect during Anti-Bullying Week, from November 11 to 15, Martha Evans, director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “These findings are concerning, showing many children face fears of exclusion and bullying, which can have lasting impacts.

“This Anti-Bullying Week, we can change the narrative by choosing respect to create safer, inclusive spaces where all children belong.

“Adults must lead by example, showing respect in action.”

The survey also found 39 per cent of kids have felt nervous to go to school, as they didn’t want to get teased.

As many as 14 per cent have even refused to go to their place of education due to bullying.

And a heart-breaking 38 per cent have felt conscious of their appearance after hearing a mean comment, leaving 22 per cent worried about the way they look.

But 95 per cent believe it is important to respect people, and 80 per cent have been told by parents they should treat others at school well.

It also emerged they are most likely to confide in their mum (73 per cent) before their dad (49 per cent) or teacher (41 per cent) if someone teased them.

Although 75 per cent don’t think their parents know the full extent of bullying happening at their school, and 59 per cent say the same about their teachers.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, found 22 per cent also feel they can’t truly be themselves because they’re afraid of what others might say.

Kelly Philp, a spokesperson for Mattel UK, said: “We want to contribute to a world where every child feels proud to be their authentic self and embrace their uniqueness.

“We have partnered with Anti-Bullying Alliance to support their mission to stop bullying and foster children’s sense of belonging.

“Findings indicate that a third of children in the UK are worried they don’t fit in, and this is causing children to avoid school, change their journeys, and worry about how they look.

“As part of this partnership, we have created resources for both children and parents to give them the support to tackle these issues and feel like they can belong.”