MORE children than ever before are suffering emotional abuse in the South East, according to latest figures.

A report from NSPCC found the number of young people experiencing abuse has increased by 36 per cent since 2015.

The charities' annual child protection report 'How Safe are our Children' found 1,375 children from the area have contacted their helpline.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: “Hearing reports from our Helpline about parents or carers who are consistently verbally assaulting, bullying, isolating or humiliating their children is devastating.

“The huge increase in people recognising and reporting emotional abuse to our Helpline indicates people are willing to take action, but the disturbing truth is that the UK has no idea how many other children are suffering from emotional abuse or in fact, any type of abuse.

“We urgently need Government to step in now, before another eight years go by, and commission a study that gives us the clearest possible picture of the extent of child abuse and neglect in the UK.”

In the last year, the helpline dealt with around four calls a day from the South East about emotional abuse, with 78 per cent of these calls being referred to police or children's service for being in danger.

Helpline practitioners have identified domestic violence, alcohol or substance abuse, and mental health issues as common factors in emotional abuse towards children.

Any adult worried about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.