Vaping, drinking, and illegal drug use are reportedly more prevalent among children from higher-income families compared to those from less advantaged households, according to an analysis. The study found that a higher percentage of children aged 11 to 15 from affluent backgrounds in England self-reported engaging in these behaviours than those from less affluent backgrounds. The data from the Social Mobility Commission revealed that nearly a third (32%) of young people from high-affluent families had consumed alcohol in the previous month, compared to less than a fifth (19%) from low-affluent families. Additionally, 13% had vaped, in contrast to 10% in the least advantaged group, and almost a quarter (23%) had used drugs compared to 17% in the lower-affluent group.
The authors of the report suggest that children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds may have easier access to alcohol due to financial reasons, but they believe this alone does not fully explain the disparities. They call for further investigation to understand these concerning trends. The findings indicated a reverse gradient with regards to drinking alcohol, vaping, and illegal drug use, with higher levels reported among schoolchildren from more affluent families. However, smoking rates were only slightly higher among children from less affluent households.
The report acknowledged that the analysed data was from 2021 when pandemic restrictions may have influenced the outcomes, and the situation for more recent years remains unknown. The gap in alcohol consumption between different socioeconomic groups appeared to have widened since 2014, although the measurements of affluence have slightly changed over time. The commission’s report, titled “Childhood Origins of Social Mobility,” also examined the wellbeing and mental health of young people. Data from the British Household Panel Survey and Understanding Society indicated that children aged 11 to 15 were experiencing more issues with self-esteem and social anxiety.
Rob Wilson, deputy chair of the commission, expressed deep concern over the early age at which children are engaging in substance use. He highlighted that research suggests young people from more affluent backgrounds are more likely to use these substances, and this gap is growing. The reasons behind this trend remain unclear, although the report noted that many young people are also dealing with anxiety and poor mental health. The researchers used the Family Affluence Scale (FAS) to categorise children into low, medium, or high groups based on various factors such as bedroom ownership, travel experiences, and household technology.
In conclusion, the study’s findings shed light on the complex relationship between socioeconomic status and risky behaviours among young people, emphasizing the importance of further research and support for mental health and substance use prevention initiatives.