I think all of the above are relevant factors and are worthy of analysis. Ultimately though, it seems fair to conclude that a social and economic set up that significantly favours the rich minority, whilst continually disappointing the poor is destined to fail. I don't think we should be surprised by negative social behaviour. This is not an inclusive system.
I don't think drug taking should be seen as a crime. It's simply not. The methods of getting hold of it might involve crime, but taking drugs isn't. Just like drinking alcohol isn't. Approach drugs differently immediately.
It's easy to talk about needing better education, but what does that really mean? Do we just need more schools and more teachers, paid the same **** money to teach the same old subjects, or do we need to consider a more drastic adaptation of our education system to our changing world?
My 13 year old daughter is on the verge of choosing GCSE subjects. If she chooses triple science, she'll have to drop 2 of either art, drama or music. Why??? She wants to carry on with all of it. It's nonsense. Aged 13, she has to not only start making life choices, but also to start closing doors to things she loves. Let that sink in for a moment.
Kids are measured on their ability to learn endless facts, with future learning prospects dependent on that ability. The ones who take to this system generally receive more focus than the ones who don't.
There is no time in the syllabus to abandon the things that must be learned in favour of spending an entire day debating the world, the country, current affairs, community issues etc.
How many kids need to know the periodic table? The difference between nimbus and stratus clouds? Are these amoungst the most important lessons for teenagers?
A long term vision doesn't include ramping up police numbers and harsh penalties for social rebellion, it includes a levelling process, a move toward equality, development of opportunities for everyone, the dealing with local problems through local community, as opposed to a blame culture toward government.