study by the children's commissioners covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland found: "Compared to other European countries

A study by the children's commissioners covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland found: "Compared to other European countries, children drink a lot more alcohol, engage in early sex and are more likely to use cannabis."Children feel increasingly unsafe in their local area, with one in four concerned about violence, crime and weapons."The commissioners also hit out at growing "discrimination" against youngsters.They said shop signs banning two or more children made them feel like second class citizens.The report, to be given to the United Nations in Geneva this week, also criticised the education system for setting too many targets and exams.