The UK government should target its spending on disadvantaged teenagers more effectively, says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which published a report this week showing that rates of underage drinking and teenage pregnancy in the United Kingdom are among the highest in the industrialised world.

Relatively high public spending on child welfare and education in the UK is failing to produce results in many key areas, says the report, which compares the wellbeing of young people living in the 30 leading industrial economies.

The UK spends more on children than most other industrial countries, at just over £90 000 (€103 000; $150 000) per child …