More of Richmond's teenagers drinking, smoking and taking drugs than anywhere else in London

A quarter of Richmond’s 15-year-olds surveyed reported being drunk in the last four weeks, the highest rate in London, according to the Public Health England report, What About YOUth.

Almost a fifth (19 per cent) of young people in Richmond reported having tried cannabis, which is almost double London’s average of 10.9 per cent and the highest in the capital.   

Richmond also has London’s highest percentage of 15-year-olds who smoke, as 14.3 per cent of those surveyed reported to be current smokers, compared with the capital’s average of 6.1 per cent.

The percentage of the borough’s youngsters who smoke regularly was almost double London’s average, at 6.7 per cent.

Percentage of 15-year-olds taking part in "risky behaviours" by borough

Far more of Richmond’s teenagers take part in risky activities - such as smoking and drinking - than neighbouring boroughs, with 21.5 per cent of youngsters taking part in three or more, compared with 13 per cent in Kingston and 12.2 per cent in Wandsworth.

The report states that patterns of risky behaviour among young people were often inversely associated with levels of deprivation, and highest in areas of less deprivation with a predominantly white ethnic background.

Richmond’s cabinet member for health, Councillor David Marlow, said the report’s findings were interesting given Richmond’s young people consistently perform well academically and are among London’s healthiest.

He said the issue is likely caused by the affluent demography of the borough which enables the choice of risky behaviours such as drinking and taking drugs.

Labour councillor for Teddington, Jennifer Churchill, said the percentage of Richmond’s 15-year-olds who reported being drunk in the last month was "worryingly high."

Coun Churchill said: "Just as we are told to think again about the dangers of alcohol, this survey raises the question of how much local young people are drinking.

"One in four of Richmond's 15-year-olds reported having been drunk in last four weeks, way above the London average figure of less than one in ten."

Coun Marlow said: "The borough has a lower level of smoking among adults and, hopefully, early age smoking will not be continued in later life.

"We all have a part to play whether as the council, teachers, families and individuals to encourage youngsters to make healthy choices rather than unhealthy ones.

"Richmond is full of excellent opportunities to take part in sporting, educational, music and arts activities."

To see the report in full visit fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/what-about-youth