CHILDREN'S charity Barnardo's made history this week. We launched our first ever TV advertisement reinforcing the fact that we believe in children, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through.

Our latest campaign has been prompted by evidence that there is an unjustified and disturbing intolerance of children in the UK.

A shocking poll commissioned by Barnardo's shows that society casually condemns all children, with more than half of people in the South West (52 per cent) thinking that British children are beginning to behave like animals.

Research conducted by YouGov shows that the public holds a negative view of all children, despite the vast majority of children making positive contributions to their communities, attending school, taking part in activities and a significant number volunteering.

We know that some people disregard children who have got into trouble and think they are beyond help, even at a very young age.

But the evidence shows that children who are most at risk of criminality and anti-social behaviour are also those who are most disadvantaged. They come from the poorest families and communities, have the poorest educational experiences and are more likely to suffer from poor health, including mental health.

Barnardo's is not naïve. We recognise that a minority of children are anti-social and some commit crimes. When that happens, both in the interests of the child and in the interests of the victims, firm action needs to be taken.

But with the right help and support these children can get themselves back on track. Please do not write off a whole generation of young people as a result of the behaviour of just a few.

ANNE GOYMER Acting Director Barnardo's South West