TACKLING bullies, better protection from violence and abuse in the home, and more timely support on mental health and emotional well-being issues, are among Welsh children's key concerns, a major consultation project has revealed.

Full details of the findings of the Beth Nesa/What Next? Project - begun by Children's Commissioner for Wales Sally Holland - will be launched at Newport's Glasllwch primary school today (MON).

And she has vowed that those findings, which also include a call for less poverty, and for safer local areas with more places to play for children, will have a big influence on her priorities in the role for the next three years.

More than 7,000 children and young people took part in the Beth Nesa/What Next? consultation, begun by Professor Holland, last April.

It aimed to consult with children and young people, and with parents, carers, and professionals with issues linked to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in mind.

“I aspire to a Wales where all children and young people have an equal chance to be the best that they can be," said Professor Holland.

"Many children and young people in Wales lead safe, happy and active lives and feel listened to and respected by adults around them. However, there still remain large groups of children who are missing out on such support.

"To be an effective champion, in my role as Children’s Commissioner for Wales, it’s vital that I know directly from children and young people what they feel I should be speaking up about on their behalf.

“The consultation included many groups who often don’t get a chance to take part in large surveys like this - very young children, and those not in school because they are in hospital, in custody or homeless.

Having more places to play was the highest priority (49 per cent) for almost half of children aged three-to-seven.

More than half (55 per cent) of children aged seven to 11 chose stopping bullying as a priority, with their next highest priorities being helping children and families in poverty, and making local areas safer for children.

Tackling bullying was also the top priority (53 per cent) for 11 to18 year olds, followed by protecting children from violence and abuse at home, facilities in their local areas, and help for children and families in poverty.

Professor Holland's priorities for 2016-19, influenced by the project, will be: Mental health, wellbeing and tackling bullying; poverty and social inequalities; play and leisure; safety (in the community, school, and at home); raising awareness of the UNCRC and promoting its adoption across public services; transitions to adulthood for all young people requiring continuing support and care

A plan on how she will work to promote change in these areas will be published by the end of March, to start immediately.