Which of the following is a significant risk facing American youth?

The choice that highlights poverty and family problems as significant risks facing American youth is rooted in substantial research that underscores the correlation between socioeconomic status and various adverse outcomes for children. Children growing up in poverty often experience numerous stressors, including limited access to essential resources such as healthcare, nutrition, and stable housing. These economic hardships can contribute to a range of family problems, such as parental conflict, instability, and mental health issues, which in turn can affect a child's emotional and social development.

When children encounter such challenges, they may be more susceptible to engaging in delinquent behavior as a means of coping or expressing frustration. Furthermore, instability in family structures, such as single-parent households or families facing eviction, can exacerbate feelings of neglect and isolation. The broader impacts of poverty often lead to inadequate educational opportunities and exposure to unsafe environments, further heightening the risk of delinquency.

In contrast, the other options reflect either positive influences or potential distractions that do not fundamentally address the systemic issues faced by youth. Positive media influence, for example, can offer beneficial role models, while excessive leisure activities may not inherently lead to harm unless combined with lack of supervision or guidance. Universal access to quality education is a goal that aims to combat the issues associated with poverty, suggesting