Thinktanks warns against ‘counterproductive’ Asbos
The government has been urged to review the use of antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos) after a thinktank warned they are counterproductive.
Although designed to curb antisocial behaviour, an Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report warned an “Asbo culture” risked creating a self-fulfilling prophecy among young people subject to the orders.
Asbos have been issued to discourage a range of so-called “antisocial” activities, with critics flagging up the most off-beat examples to argue the orders are draconian.
Although Asbos can be issued in response to behaviour which is not a serious criminal offence, it is a crime to breach an order and the holder can be punished with up to five years in prison.
Today’s IPPR report renews criticism of the government’s flagship antisocial behaviour policy, introduced by Tony Blair, in advance of the much-hyped Children’s Plan.
The thinktank recommends no Asbos are issued against children under 12 and all teenagers up until 18 should be assessed before receiving an Asbo.
It also calls on the government to reduce the terms of an asbo from the current maximum of ten years to an average of six to 24 months.
Carey Oppenheim, IPPR’s co-director, said: “The problem with ‘kids these days’ is the way adults are treating them. Britain is in danger of becoming a nation fearful of its young people: a nation of paedophobics.
“We need policy which reminds adults that it is their responsibility to set norms of behaviour and to maintain them through positive and authoritative interaction with young people.”
As an alternative to asbos, IPPR suggests “play rangers” could police public spaces to prevent antisocial behaviour, while children in disadvantaged area should have access to staffed adventure playgrounds.
It also calls for more social workers, behavioural psychologists and family welfare offices to support children in schools.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) said it recognised the IPPR’s call for supported play spaces and activities, but defended the government’s Asbo policy.
A DCSF spokesperson added: “When it is necessary to give Asbos the child and family should receive support to address this problem behaviour.
“We will announce this week our Children’s Plan which will set out a series of world class ambitions for all areas of children’s lives.
“It will especially look at the fact that young people spend only one fifth of their childhood at school and that crucially, children learn best when their families support and encourage them.”
