Parents concerned over child safety

Most parents believe that children are less safe now than when they were growing up, but that kids today have a better childhood.

According to the Childhood 2007poll, which was carried out on behalf of the children's charity Barnardos, eight out of ten parents feel that childhood today is better than in previous generations.

However, the study reveals that many parents worry about the impact of working patterns on child rearing, while bullying is also seen as a major concern.

The Barnardos survey was conducted on 400 parents and 200 children, aged between 12 and 17 years..

Over half the parents polled believe they have a better relationship with their children than they had with their parents.

However, 60 per cent of respondents think that parents in Ireland generally do not spend enough time with their children. In addition, while 72 of parents think work patterns in Ireland are impacting negatively on children.

Another key concern raised by parents in the poll is the impact of teenagers drinking and the risks alcohol consumption leads to whether it is as a 'gateway' drug or early sexual activity.

"What the poll has revealed is a family portrait of parents and children, happy in themselves and with each other. In the background, however, are a range of anxieties for both children and parents: bullying, stress and anxiety, parental conflict to name a few," said Barnardo's chief executive Fergus Finlay at the launch of the poll findings.