Youth minister Margaret Hodge outlined the findings of the study at an Institute for Public Policy Research seminar held in London last week.
"Just hanging out not only does nothing for young people but the research tells us it can have negative outcomes," said Hodge. "Looked at baldly, this research tells us that these young people would have been better off at home watching television than spending their time with others in this way."
Hodge admitted the research, which is based on young people using youth clubs in the 1980s, had flaws but said the findings must have an influence on youth activities in future. She added that involving young people in the design of youth services would help counteract the problems identified by the study.
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