More than 3,500 16- to 19-year-olds took part in the nationwide Teen Talk survey conducted on behalf of the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) by mobile network Blyk.
Young people, responding by text message, said that they do not want to spend their evenings and weekends just hanging out. Almost three quarters of teenagers would rather be involved in doing positive activities such as football, dance, going to the gym, music and martial arts.
Many teenagers are also keen to take part in youth groups and community volunteering.
Children's minister Beverley Hughes said: "It's important that we listen to what teenagers themselves are saying. The Teen Talk survey did just that, and showed that the vast majority of young people want to use their free time constructively."
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