Children as young as 10 in Kent are worried about becoming victims of crime, according to a study released today.

The annual Good Childhood Report says girls mostly fear being followed by a stranger, while boys are afraid of being assaulted.

Its research estimates 54,600 young people aged between 10 and 17 in Kent are worried about being the victims of at least two or more crimes, which is damaging their wellbeing.

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The report, published by The Children's Society, also calculates 76,000 youngsters have experienced at least three serious problems in the last five years, and 25,700 have had to contend with seven or more.

Another 52,200 are said to have worries connected to parents struggling to pay the bills.

The 'serious problems' can include being victims of emotional neglect, living with a parent who has problematic alcohol use, mental health issues, been a victim of domestic violence, or has a long-standing illness or disability, or living where someone in the household has been to prison.

Other hardships could be the family being forced to move house, being made homeless or being at risk of homelessness, having to share a room or a bed due to overcrowding, problems in the neighbourhood concerning anti-social behaviour, and being a young carer themselves.

The London-based society, which has a presence in Canterbury, Ramsgate, and Deal, is calling for the government to urgently address what it says is a funding shortfall in children’s services that is estimated to reach £2 billion by 2020.

It also called for councils, police forces, schools and other agencies to work together to improve the wellbeing of children in their area.

Matthew Reed, the society’s chief executive, described the figures as "alarming".

"Teenagers are coming under pressure in all areas of their lives, whether it’s being afraid to walk down their street, worrying about money, or having a parent who's seriously unwell and this is damaging their well-being," he said.

"Sadly we know many of these teenagers will only get help if they reach crisis point – such as running away from home, or abusing alcohol or drugs.

"With a £2 billion funding gap for children’s services looming, children are increasingly finding themselves with nowhere to turn, putting them at greater risk."

Responding to the findings, Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said: "Kent is a safe county but effective engagement with young people is important in reducing the fear of crime."

Mr Scott said he had funded visits to secondary schools to advise on the dangers of cyber crime, knife crime and gang involvement, as well as a cyber bullying campaign planned for the autumn.

He said there are also summer holiday activities for youngsters and projects that help build resilience and provide mental health support, along with the appointment of a youth ambassador and youth engagement officers, and the return of volunteer police cadets for teenagers.

Mr Scott added: "I am keen to hear what young people think about policing in the county and encourage them to complete my Annual Policing Survey online at www.kent-pcc.gov.uk/consultations."