Forum Brief: Youth crime

A major survey of secondary school pupils, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, on involvement in crime, drug use and other problem behaviour has revealed some worrying trends amongst the nation's youth.

Forum Response: Alcohol Concern

A spokesman from Alcohol Concern told ePolitix.com: "This is the latest in a series of studies indicating that young people are drinking worrying amounts of alcohol. Yet there are still no official targets for reducing young people's alcohol consumption - as there are for drugs and smoking.

"If we are to stem this growing trend - and prevent potential health and social problems - the Government needs to spearhead a two-pronged attack on alcohol problems amongst this age group.

"Firstly, we need a joined-up approach by all agencies providing support for young people - so that we not only address their drinking but also other factors contributing to their lifestyles, like family breakdowns.

"Secondly, the other urgent priority is a National Alcohol Strategy which places much greater emphasis on education, prevention and support than is currently the case.

"Without such a proactive approach, alcohol misuse will remain a Cinderella issue when compared with drugs or smoking."

Forum Response: Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Barry Anderson, the Chief Executive of Communities that Care and co-author of the report, told ePolitix.com "The young people in the survey who were most heavily exposed to family, school and community risk factors, were the most likely to report being involved in problem behaviour.

"Conversely, young people who were strongly exposed to protective factors, such as good relationships with parents or teachers promoting positive behaviour, were less likely to report antisocial acts."

"The survey findings on violence, and the neglected issue of under-age alcohol consumption are particularly worrying, given current concerns over street crime.

"But to brand young people in general as 'a problem' would run counter to the evidence and make it harder to respond effectively to the minority whose behaviour does cause problems."

Forum Response: Proffessional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of the PAT, told ePolitix.com: "The report's findings are shocking and disturbing. As a teachers' union, PAT is obviously particularly disturbed by the truancy figures. However, we must not forget that the majority of young people lead responsible, balanced lives. Most young people work hard and play hard.

"The statistics do not tell us if some of the 'deviant' behaviour is one-off experimentation or longer-term abuse. We also have to be aware of the possibility that some of the young people who claimed to have taken drugs or committed other offences could be indulging in teenage bravado.

"Parents generally play the most important part in their children's development. It is they who usually have the greatest contact with their children, determine their morality and wield the greatest influence as role models. Children come to teachers as products of their circumstances. Before they reach pre-school, nursery or school, they already possess a moral code and set of attitudes influenced by their home environment and society.

"Teachers cannot be held responsible for the moral failure of society at large and cannot be expected to repair all the damage from the breakdown of family relationships, or the crime and corruption in society. As a society, we increasingly see violence, a decline in family values, and adverse role models in some areas of sport, the media and public life.

"Teachers need the support of parents, the media and society in general to help to resolve pupils' problem behaviour. We need to engage parents more ineducation and encourage them to foster in their children a greater respect for schools and education - and for other people and others' property - anda desire for, and a love of, learning. Playing truant or indulging in criminal behaviour must not be seen as 'cool' but as blighting youngsters'future success in life.

"Research shows that pupil behaviour is a key issue influencing teachers to leave the profession as well as dissuading graduates from becomingteachers."