Exploring the links between poverty and risk-taking behaviours in young people

Challenge Poverty Week 2025

Poverty is more than just a lack of money — it’s a lived experience that can deeply shape young people’s outlook, opportunities, and decisions. Among its many consequences, poverty has been closely linked to increased risk-taking behaviours in children and young adults. These behaviours can include substance use, early sexual activity, criminal activity, or dropping out of school. But why does growing up in poverty increase the likelihood of these choices? The answer lies in a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors.

Poverty in Scotland

Poverty among young people is more prevalent in Scotland due to a combination of historical, economic, and social factors. Many post-industrial areas in Scotland, particularly in the west and central belt, experienced, significant economic decline from traditional industries This, in turn, has led to long-term unemployment, low wages, and generational poverty, especially in urban areas.

Child poverty is closely linked to low household incomes, limited access to quality employment, and high living costs. In Scotland, some rural and remote areas also suffer from poor transport links and limited job opportunities, compounding disadvantage. Young people in these areas often face barriers to education, training, and stable employment.

Stress and Mental Health

Young people living in poverty often experience chronic stress due to financial instability, food insecurity, unsafe living environments, and family strain. Constant stress can impact brain development, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. When survival feels uncertain, immediate gratification can feel more appealing than long-term planning. This can lead to choices that seem risky or self-destructive from the outside, but make emotional sense in that moment.

It’s also worth noting, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are more common among young people living in poverty. With extremely long waiting times for adequate access to mental health support, some may turn to drugs, alcohol, or risky relationships as coping mechanisms.

Limited Access to Resources

Poverty often limits access to quality education, healthcare, hobbies, and safe recreational spaces. Without positive outlets or role models, young people can feel disengaged from school or community life. This lack of structure and support can lead them to seek belonging or excitement in risk-taking behaviours, including joining gangs or engaging in petty crime.

When basic needs aren’t being met, education and career goals may feel out of reach or irrelevant. In these cases, taking risks can appear to be a logical, or sometimes even necessary way to improve a young persons’ situation quickly, whether that means hustling for money or experimenting with short-term fixes like drugs or gambling.

Peer Influence and Social Norms

In communities where poverty is widespread, risk-taking behaviours can become the norm, or even celebrated. If a young person grows up seeing peers or adults engage in unsafe or illegal activities to survive or gain status, they may be more likely to follow suit. Social belonging is a powerful force during adolescence, and peer pressure can amplify risky decisions — especially when positive alternatives are limited or inaccessible.

Breaking the Cycle

Understanding the link between poverty and risk-taking isn’t about placing blame, it’s about recognising the structural and social conditions that shape behaviour. Interventions that offer mentorship, youth programs, mental health services, and access to education and employment can make a huge difference. When young people feel safe, encouraged, and hopeful about their futures, the appeal of risky choices diminishes.

Gambling venues and deprived areas

Studies have shown that there are more gambling venues within areas of deprivation in the UK. Gambling companies will target those who are the most vulnerable and already at-risk of harm to make profit, further exacerbating inequality.

Our team believe breaking the cycle of poverty requires more than just economic solutions. It takes a holistic approach that sees young people as potential to be nurtured.

Our Going Forward Project Officers see the benefits of youth work:

““Harms resulting from substance and alcohol use, poor sexual and mental health, risky online behaviour and gambling frequently cluster, and are markedly more pronounced, in areas of multiple deprivation. They lead to poorer school attainment, poorer overall health and diminished life chances.  

Feedback from young people and the organisations that support them tells us that our Going Forward workshop sessions improve the knowledge, confidence and resilience of young people, leading to a positive impact in young people’s decision making, life destinations and attainment.”

Donald Lockhart – Project Officer

“As has been mentioned above, peer-pressure is a strong motivator for young people, however peer pressure doesn’t need to be a negative thing. Through our PIPS Project (Peer Inspiration Projects Scotland) we work with groups of Scottish young people and help them to create educational resources on risk-taking behaviours to inspire their peers. Peer education is based on the belief that people often gain or acquire knowledge more effectively when the information is delivered by someone they can relate to. Crucially, this work is led by the young people, giving them ownership and agency over the project, ensuring that their authentic voices shine through.”

Ande Moore – Project Officer

“Parenting is challenging at the best of times, parenting on a low income brings a whole new set of challenges and certainly doesn’t make anything in life easier. However, being a good parent has nothing to do with wealth or material possessions. What every child and young person needs are things that can’t be bought; unconditional love, spending time with family, being listened to, humour and affection. Also, having boundaries set for behaviour and routines to follow at home give stability and security to young people, especially those growing up in areas where deprivation challenges their community.”

Mark Hunter – Project Officer