NUMBERS GAME: Leisure time

A study by the Medical Research Council's social and public health sciences unit at Glasgow University compared two groups of 15-year-olds from the same area of Glasgow, one in 1987 and the second in 1999.

The study showed that the number of girls hanging around the street on most days has risen from 30 per cent to 37 per cent, while it has reduced by 10 per cent to 39 per cent for boys. Going to clubs and discos has also increased by around a fifth for both genders. It is suggested that this could be why more girls are also smoking, drinking and taking drugs.

In contrast, activities such as reading and shopping are increasing in popularity among boys.

Dr Helen Sweeting, who led the study, said: "This may be because there is more consumer pressure on boys now. The number of magazines aimed at them has also increased."

She continued: "Reduced constraints on female behaviour means they have greater social freedom. But this brings risks. These results underline the need for us to provide facilities and create chances for alternative social or sporting activities."