A recent study confirms the fact that around 12 per cent of children brought out by single parents display a set of behavioral issues by the age of seven, when compared to other kids of same age but raised by both natural parents.

The disclosure proves to be a part of nearly 14,000 children born in Britain between 2000 and 2002.

It was observed that factors such as family make-up, parental qualifications and household income had a major impact on children’s behavior.

“Living apart from natural fathers can be associated with poverty and negative outcomes for children,” says, Lisa Calderwood, from London University’s Institute of Education.

Researchers are doing the study for the on-going Millennium Cohort Study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council which tracks children’s behavior, school choice and cognitive development.

13,500 Mothers were surveyed to enquire about their children’s behavior. Questions pertaining to hyperactivity, conduct, emotional problems and relationships with peers were the highlights. These children were then grouped in three categories ranging from “normal” to “serious behavioural problems”.

It was found that stepchildren and kids with lone parents were most likely to be badly behaved. Fifteen per cent of stepchildren and 12 per cent of children with lone parents had the same thought, when compared with six per cent living with both natural parents.

Researchers explain: "As these experiences are particularly concentrated among children of young mothers these findings provide support for policies aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy. They also indicate that families with young parents may benefit from further targeted government support.”