A Unicef report states that British teens face a bleaker future compared to the rest of Europe due to a high rate of unemployment, teenage pregnancies and drinking among minors.
The report said that Britain ranked lowest in "child well-being" ratings because of its growing number of under-age drinkers and teenage pregnancies. The British government said that the report "underlines the urgent need for (education) reforms".
Blaming the government, the Unicef said that 10 percent of youth between the ages 15 and 19 were not involved in employment, training or education. Other low ranked countries in these categories were Romania, Italy, Spain and Ireland.
The research stated that since the last five years, the U.K. has been witnessing an increase in teenage pregnancies. Although, Romania and the U.S. recorded a higher number of teenage pregnancies in girls between 15 and 19 years.
Alcohol abuse was the highest in Britain. The country has 19 per cent of 11 to 15 year olds reportedly being drunk on at least two occasions, the report said.
"There is no doubt that the situation for children and young people has deteriorated in the last three years, with the government making policy choices that risk setting children back in their most crucial stages of development," said Anita Tiessen, the deputy executive director of Unicef, U.K., adding, "We know that many are facing a bleaker future".
The Department for Education said that they were planning to improve opportunities for British children.
