The arts may improve self-control and reduce antisocial behavior. According to a new study by UCL (University College London) and University of Florida researchers, teenagers who take part in arts and cultural activities, such as dance, drama, reading and going to concerts, are less likely to engage in antisocial and criminalised behaviour up to two years later. ⁠ ⁠ Senior author Dr Daisy Fancourt said: “Notably these findings remained, even when taking into account factors such as children’s age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background, their parents’ educational background, where they lived, and their previous patterns of antisocial behaviours.”⁠ ⁠ “Our findings demonstrate the importance of making arts and cultural activities available for all young people, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has limited access to and funding for these resources.”