CHILDREN’S biggest social fears include being laughed at, left out and teased about the way they look, research has found.

A survey of 1,000 BOYS six- to 11-year-olds found that 29 percent were worried about someone teasing them about the clothes they were wearing.

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And 26 percent worry about being the only one in their class not invited to a party.

It also found that 47% found themselves in situations where they weren’t sure whether their friends were joking with them or actually being mean.

A third admitted that at some point they felt like they didn’t fit in, leaving them feeling sad, uncomfortable and embarrassed.

While up to 37% have been bullied in some form by their peers, and six in 10 have witnessed it happening to classmates.

The survey was commissioned by Monster High, who teamed up with The anti-bullying alliance to support its “Belonging Project” mission and to help children and parents support bullying reduction efforts.

Speaking as schools prepare to choose respect during Anti-Bullying Week, from 11 to 15 November, Martha Evans, director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “These findings are worrying, showing that many children are dealing with fears of exclusion and aggression, which can have lasting effects.

“This Anti-Bullying Week, we can change the narrative by choosing respect to create safer, inclusive spaces where all children belong.

“Adults must lead by example, showing respect in action.”

The survey also revealed that 39% of children felt nervous about going to school because they did not want to be teased.

Up to 14% refused to even go to their place of education because of bullying.

And a whopping 38 percent felt self-conscious about their appearance after hearing a mean comment, leaving 22 percent worried about how they look.

But 95 percent think it’s important to respect people, and 80 percent were told by their parents that they should treat others well at school.

It also found they were most likely to confide in their mother (73 percent) over their father (49 percent) or teacher (41 percent) if someone teased them.

Although 75 percent don’t think their parents know the full extent of bullying happening at their school, and 59 percent say the same about their teachers.

The study, conducted by OnePoll, found that 22% feel they can’t really be themselves because they’re afraid of what others might say.

Kelly Philp, spokesperson for Mattel UK, said: “We want to contribute to a world where every child feels proud to be their authentic self and embraces their uniqueness.

“We partnered with the Anti-Bullying Alliance to support their mission to stop bullying and promote children’s sense of belonging.

“Findings show that a third of children in the UK are worried they don’t fit in, and this is causing children to avoid school, change their journeys and worry about how they look.

“As part of this partnership, we’ve created resources for both children and parents to support them in addressing these issues and feeling empowered.”

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