Australian children are increasingly concerned about our drinking culture, naming the consumption of alcohol and drugs among adults as a leading cause of child abuse.

A global study of more than 6000 children aged 10 to 12 across 58 countries found Australian kids were far more likely to name drugs and alcohol as a threat than their international counterparts.

"Children comprehend how alcohol and drugs can lead to abuse." Credit:Arsineh Houspian

The survey by international children's welfare group ChildFund Alliance found 70 per cent of Australian children blamed adult consumption of alcohol and drugs for the mistreatment of children, compared with 4 per cent of children globally.

ChildFund Australia chief executive Nigel Spence said the finding revealed a significant increase in concern from the organisation's 2013 survey in which 45 per cent of Australian children blamed drugs and alcohol for abuse.