Findings 282 Anti-social and other problem behaviour among young children: patterns and associated child characteristics

This study explores patterns of anti-social behaviour in young children and the associated personal and familial characteristics. The findings are based on a sample of 5,757 children.

The study’s key findings:

• 30% reported some form of anti-social or other problem behaviour at some stage. 
• Involvement in a number of types of behaviour up to age 8 ½ significantly increased the likelihood of involvement in further anti-social and other types of problem behaviour at age 10 ½. 
• The children who reported involvement in anti-social behaviour at both assessment time points (8 ½  and 10 ½ ) had significantly greater conduct problems, a higher level of family adversity, lower levels of pro-social behaviour, lower levels of performance IQ and poorer friendship quality. 

These findings highlight the importance of early intervention to tackle individual and family factors, particularly those associated with cognitive and behavioural development.