With 44 per cent of households struggling to survive, Peo union on Wednesday called on the government to help children who are currently facing a slew of issues ranging from bullying, poverty, social exclusion and domestic violence.

In light of International Day for the Protection of Children on June 1, the union stressed the government should prioritise protecting children, who are in greater need of help due to poor infrastructure and care services.

There are also issues surrounding discrimination in the education system and a lack of healthy entertainment for children.

According to Peo, these problems are immediately linked to social and family conditions that reveal 44 per cent of households are struggling to survive. This only compounds the problems, making the risks far greater.

The union called for a comprehensive strategy aiming to tackle child poverty and modernise family law.

Additionally, local authorities need to become the main source of care services for children in their community in a safe and affordable manner.

Unaccompanied minors should not be excluded from this, hence the importance of all-day schools throughout all stages of the public education system.