9th September 2007

Dear Sir

Recently you highlighted a website that glorified gangs and anti social behaviour in the city. Also in the news is the sad story of the murder of Rhys Jones in Liverpool.

There is a link between the two events. Another death of a young person just highlights the fact that they are more likely to be the victim of crime, whether it is bullying, mugging or physical threats than any other section of society. Is it any wonder that they form gangs? They are trying to protect themselves.

There is a lack of positive images of young people in the media as the main headlines always stress the bad or sad. Also the youth service run by Sheffield Futures is failing to deliver an effective service across the whole city. Both these issues need to be addressed before we see improved behaviour.

Many of the young people who cause anti-social behaviour have a range of problems. They may be abused or come from backgrounds where there is little love, affection or where the normal response to them is physical or verbal violence.

There is also an historical element. There has always been a generation gap and the activity of young people throughout the ages has been frowned upon by the older generation. There is always an element of what the historian Butterworth described as our 'Respectable Fears'. From his studies it is clear that every successive generation believes that the world they have created has never been more dangerous.

We also like to pass the blame to others, like the parents, and rarely
look at what we can do in our community to offer positive images or
activities for young people. Action by individuals and groups across
the city which are trying to work with young people and break down the barriers between generations are often ignored, under-funded or rely on the good will of volunteers. These need to be celebrated and supported so they can work better at tackling this difficult problem.

Yours sincerely

Steve Barnard
Co- Chair
Sheffield Green Party