KUALA LUMPUR: A new global survey issued by Unicef on #WorldChildrensDay reveals that almost seven out of 10 children in Malaysia worry a lot about bullying, versus only three out of 10 in Japan or close to four out of 10 in the UK.

Children in Malaysia also worry a lot about other global issues, such as violence against children (64 per cent) and terrorism (60 per cent); while their top picks for world leaders to focus attention on are education for the poor (17 per cent), poverty and terrorism (15 per cent).

The comparative survey involved 11,000 boys and girls aged between nine and 18 in 14 countries including Brazil, Egypt, India, Turkey and the US. The global Unicef survey echoes findings from the Children4Change opinion conducted locally in Malaysia in terms of children’s concerns and priorities.

Unicef representative to Malaysia, Marianne Clark-Hattingh, commented that the survey clearly demonstrates that children in Malaysia take an interest in global issues and are concerned about their impact on their lives and that of their peers.

“They also have opinions about issues affecting them closer to home and the comparative findings of the global survey highlight issues of particular concern to Malaysian children compared to others, bullying for example, and this should be taken seriously and addressed.

“Unfortunately, over half feel that even when asked of their opinions, they are not really listened to, or that their voice does not influence change and as adults we should listen – we should consult children on issues that affect them and take their opinions into account, although we might think we don’t always know what is best for them.

“When children and adolescents are engaged and encouraged to participate, it builds confidence, global citizenship and helps build democratic and peaceful societies. So, on this World Children’s Day – when children speak up, listen up,” added Clark-Hattingh.

Unicef thus hopes World Children’s Day would inspire governments, businesses and communities across the world to listen to children and incorporate their opinions in decision-making processes that affect them.

World Children’s Day or Universal Children’s Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly as a day of celebration of the state of welfare of children.

For this World Children’s Day, Unicef aims to empower children to ‘take over’ and come together to speak out on the issues that are most important to them.

Unicef works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children.

“Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.”

For more information about Unicef and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.