Unhappy youngsters more likely to try drink and sex

CHILDREN who do not like school are more likely to become involved in underage sex and drinking, according to new research published today.Happiness at school and at home are key indicators of whether a child is likely to indulge in "risky" behaviour, according to a new study led by Liverpool John Moores University.

The study questioned 3,641 children aged 11 to 14, in the North West of England, about sex and alcohol use, their general wellbeing, how happy they were with their appearance, how well they got on with their parents and whether they liked school.

The findings show that children who did not enjoy school were two-and-half times more likely to be involved in sexual activity, and 86 per cent more likely to have sex than those who enjoyed their lessons. Pupils who said they disliked school were also more likely to drink alcohol, according to the academics.

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The study, published in the journal Substance Abuse, Treatment, Prevention and Policy, shows that the odds of ever drinking alcohol were two-fold higher in children who said they did not like school.

Children who said they did not have a happy home life, or said they were unable to talk to parents about their problems had the highest odds of ever drinking.

Lead researcher Professor Mark Bellis said, "Our study identifies that the children who drink and are sexually active are also more likely to be unhappy with their school and home lives.

"This study paints a clear picture that the children we most need to support are often the hardest to reach."