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Analysis: Experience can bridge the gap in behaviour

A new report tries to unravel the apparent links between children's behaviour problems and their family backgrounds, says Karen Faux.

When a child establishes a pattern of behaviour problems very early in their life, it seems that these problems will often have negative implications for all of their childhood and school life.

Over the years there has been a deepening awareness of how poverty, disadvantage and dysfunctional family background impact negatively on child development and ultimately damage life outcomes. In recognition of this, there has been a move towards more intervention, through family support and outreach services, and an increased emphasis on working in partnership with parents.

But a new report commissioned by philanthropic organisation the Sutton Trust calls into question just how effective these strategies are. The report's research, which was based on a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnnaire (SDQ), highlights how inequalities in behaviour linked to income have, in fact, widened over the past two decades.

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