The research, commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), said low awareness of available activities, peer pressure, lack of self-confidence and lack of time all acted as barriers to positive activities.
Researchers questioned 144 young people aged 13 to 19 for the study, which found that despite barriers when young people did participate in activities they were enjoyable, allowed them to socialise, and helped them to feel good.
Children's minister Dawn Primarolo said: "It is evident that we are on the right track but we can do more to support local authorities in delivering activities."
She added that the DCSF will be holding road shows throughout the year to encourage and support local authorities to use innovative ways to communicate to young people.
Currently around 70 per cent of young people participate in positive activities but the government wants to increase this to 100 per cent to help all young people develop social skills and achieve more in education.
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