DATA INSIGHT - Child Poverty Linked to Early Youth Offending in Scotland
A new study from ADR Scotland reveals that children growing up in poverty are more likely to engage in criminal or anti-social behaviour at an early age. The research, using data from the Growing Up in Scotland study, found that children who offended by age 12, were more likely than other children to live in households experiencing persistent poverty based on relative low income.
Introduction
The study compared three groups—early onset offenders (by age 12), adolescent onset offenders (at age 14), and non-offenders—and uncovered a number of differences between them in terms of childhood risk factors. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of early onset offenders had experienced persistent child poverty. In addition, however, children in this group were also more likely than others to have experienced persistent neighbourhood deprivation, low parental monitoring and more than three Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Preventing early offending
The researchers argue that reducing persistent child poverty, which is a key commitment of the Scottish Government, may play a critical role in preventing early offending. However, a wider set of social, familial and environmental risk factors would also need to be addressed. Interventions that support parents, reduce trauma, and improve neighbourhood conditions could have the greatest benefit in terms of prevention.
The findings
The findings align with established criminological theory, suggesting early intervention is crucial to disrupting potential long-term offending.
To find out more about the data, methods, and policy implications, read the full Data Insights here. (DOI: 10.7488/era/6007).
This article was published on 22 May 2025
