Children from a wealthy background are more likely to drink, smoke, vape and use illegal drugs compared to those from less advantaged households, a study has found.
Researchers at the Social Mobility Commission found that almost a third (32 per cent) of young people from a wealthy family had drunk alcohol in the previous month, compared with just 19 per cent of those from a less affluent background.
Around 13 per cent had vaped, compared with 10 per cent in the least advantaged group.
Almost a quarter (23 per cent) had used drugs, compared with 17 per cent in the low affluent group.
Smoking, however, was slightly higher among the low affluent group, at 5 per cent compared to 4 per cent.
The researchers analysed NHS Digital data from a 2021 survey which saw young people self-report their habits.
The findings appear to contradict other datasets and surveys that have found that deprived areas have a higher rate of smoking and alcohol use.
However, the researchers cautioned that the data was captured when some pandemic restrictions were still in place, which may have impacted the findings.
In the report, the authors write that the findings run in “opposite direction to the one many people might expect”.
They said: “We find a reverse gradient in drinking alcohol, vaping and illegal drugs, which is to say higher levels of these activities among school children from more affluent families.”
Rob Wilson, deputy chair of the commission, said: “It is deeply concerning that children are drinking alcohol, taking drugs and vaping at such young ages.
“Research tells us that young people from more affluent backgrounds are more likely to use these substances than disadvantaged children, and the gap is widening.
“We don’t yet know the exact reasons for this, although our report does highlight that many young people are also experiencing anxiety and poor mental health.
“What we do know is that adults in higher socio-economic groups drink alcohol more frequently than other groups, possibly due to the cost, and this may make alcohol more accessible.
“However, we don’t feel that this explains the whole picture, and more research is needed to explore these worrying trends.”
The report, entitled Childhood Origins of Social Mobility, was published on Wednesday.
