The majority of the children I teach are wonderful. Their rep is put into disrepute by a small minority.
There is a pattern. Pupils come in Year 7 eager and enthusiastic but as Year 7 ends and pupils go into Year 8 the number of pupils still involved in sport, D of E, scouts etc falls.
Those who do continue are usually supported and encouraged by their families to do so.
On the other hand, despite fabulous parents, a lot of my students still see drinking, smoking etc as necessary to be accepted by their peers.
I'm a firm believer in boredom making work for idle hands. I think a broad range of interests with a variety of friendships groups (friendships are volatile) is the key.
Area and school matters but good parenting is paramount.