Around a fifth of children in Reading are unhappy with their mental health, according to a survey.

Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said the same proportion of children in England also felt this way – making it their top concern – and praised them as being part of a “survivor generation”.

She polled more than half a million school pupils across the country for her Big Ask survey between April and May.

In Reading, 1,233 children aged between nine and 17 responded to a question on their mental health – with 19 per cent saying they were unhappy with it.

Dame Rachel said this generation were not 'snowflakes', but were "veterans of a global crisis".

She added: “They have seen how colossally frightening life can be, far too young, and have made a lot of sacrifices.

“But they have endured and are emerging stronger and prematurely wise. Bruised, yes, and in many cases seriously vulnerable, but, for the most part, happy, optimistic and determined.

“They are a survivor generation – a sleeves‑up, pragmatic generation, with civic‑minded aspirations.”

The report is calling for a comprehensive catch-up package for schools, a faster expansion of mental health support teams, and stronger safeguards for social media platforms.

What children worried about most in Reading Having a healthy environment and planet – 39 per cent Having enough money to buy the things they need – and 38 per cent Around 50% per cent said it is likely they will have a better life than their parents, compared to 52 per cent across England.

Catherine Roche, chief executive at mental health charity Place2Be, said the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities.

She added: "Our school-based mental health professionals have seen an increase in concerns around self-harm and suicidal thoughts in our secondary schools.

“However, we also know that there was already a big gap in support for children and young people even before the pandemic."

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said the Government has already taken action to address young people's concerns, including an Online Safety Bill, committing to Net Zero and hosting COP26 later this year.

He added: “We know that the pandemic hit young people hard, which is why we have launched a tutoring revolution to make sure they catch up and bolstered mental health support in schools.

"As we drive to level up opportunities across the country, we will continue prioritising young people’s wellbeing alongside academic success."