A THIRD of 16 and 17 year olds in Worcestershire have been so stressed in the past year they have been unable to sleep, a survey has shown.

Research published by The Children’s Society showed 4,580 young people in the county – one in three – have suffered sleepless nights as a result of anxiety.

Teenagers in Wychavon and the Malvern Hills were more anxious, with 35 and 34 per cent respectively saying they had been unable to sleep through stress while 29 per cent in Worcester reported sleepless nights.

The survey showed across the West Midlands 33 per cent of 16 and 17 year olds – about 47,000 in total – suffered sleepless nights while 39 per cent said they frequently felt anxious.

The Children’s Society has said 16 and 17 year olds are more likely to go missing or be victims of violent crime than any other age group and are also at a high risk of sexual exploitation or domestic violence.

Research has also shown many of that age feel pressure through exposure to drugs, alcohol or adults who mean them harm and those suffering abuse or neglect may be overlooked by children’s services despite being unable to remove themselves from dangerous situations.

Area director for The Children’s Society in the West Midlands Rob Willoughby said the research showed teenagers were being “let down by society”.

“Many are struggling with a range of issues but are dismissed as resilient enough to cope and denied the same legal protection and services as younger children,” he said.

“For the most vulnerable teenagers – those suffering from abuse, neglect and homelessness and mental health issues – the future can be even more bleak.

“All children including those aged 16 and 17 should feel safe and supported and that’s why we’re urgently calling on the government to change the law to protect all 16 and 17 year olds from abuse and neglect, provide better services to support them, and offer special protection for those who are most vulnerable.”

The organisation has launched a petition calling on the government to change the law to afford greater protection to 16 and 17 year olds. To view the petition visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk/seriouslyawkward.