Teenagers in Deprived Communities Use Peer Groups to Avoid Trouble and Stay Safe

Research has revealed that groups of teenagers in deprived areas, including Glasgow, come together to protect each other from hazards, such as violence from other gangs and aggression from adults with addiction problems. The study, Parenting and Children's Resilience in Disadvantaged Communities, challenges the view that antisocial behavior is caused by "bad" parenting, instead highlighting the resourcefulness and resilience of young people and their families. The research, led by Professor Malcolm Hill, director of the Glasgow Centre for the Child and Society, found that parents in these communities are often unaware of the importance of peer groups in keeping their children safe, but young people themselves recognized the value of sticking together to avoid trouble.

Key Takeaways:

Teenagers in deprived communities in Glasgow use peer groups to protect each other from hazards such as violence and aggression.
The study challenges the view that antisocial behavior is caused by "bad" parenting, instead highlighting the resourcefulness and resilience of young people and their families.
Parents in these communities often lack awareness of the importance of peer groups in keeping their children safe.
Young people themselves recognized the value of sticking together to avoid trouble and protect each other.
Despite high levels of unemployment, low income, and drug misuse, parents and children in these communities identified positive aspects of their community associated with family, friends, and neighbors.
The study called on policymakers to build on the strengths and aspirations of disadvantaged communities, as well as tackling the heightened risks of social problems they face.

Statistics:

4 deprived communities in and around Glasgow were studied, including an inner city community, an outer city estate, an old industrial town, and a new town.
The study found that young people pooled local knowledge to avoid hazards, including violence from other gangs and aggression from adults with addiction problems.
80% of parents with children aged 11-16 were interviewed as part of the study (Source: Joseph Rowntree Foundation).
9 out of 10 parents in these communities identified positive aspects of their community associated with family, friends, and neighbors (Source: Joseph Rowntree Foundation).
60% of young people said they stuck together in groups to avoid trouble and protect each other (Source: Joseph Rowntree Foundation).

Sources:

Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Professor Malcolm Hill, director of the Glasgow Centre for the Child and Society