4 stabbed in racially motivated attack

A shocking report in the news this week reveals that a mob of around 30 young people set upon a group of 6 Muslim Asian students outside City University. Armed with knives, metal poles, bricks and sticks the mob set upon the students without warning, also injuring several passers by who tried to help.

The police have expressed concerns that the attack was carried out by an extremist group who may have also been involved in several other attacks recently.

http://news.in.msn.com/international/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3313378

'The Lost Boys of Brixton'

A fantastic article in The Week (14th Nov) has outlined the experiences of a female middle class writer who has befriended gang members in Brixton.

It isn't a story about how she's turned their lives around, they are still committing crimes and she mentions the hopelessness of their situation. Poorly educated and uninspired, they have dropped out of society - they can make more money selling drugs and guns than they can from any 'legit' paid work.

Gang member jailed for pitchfork attack

A 22yr old man in Scotland has been jailed for stabbing a 13yr old with a pitchfork.

Edmond Eccles was a gang member with a record of violent assaults and anti-social behaviour. He attacked a group of teenagers while drunk one night visiting his hometown of Alva (he had previously been banned from visiting much of Central Scotland for terrorising shopkeepers and residents).

At the time of his arrest, Eccles bit one police officer on the leg, threatening: "I'll get a bomb and blow you up. I'll kill your family. I'll murder your children. I'll be chopping your heads off, shooting your family and setting you on fire, great balls of fire, I'm a psycho."

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/10/08/superned-jailed-for-stabbing-boy-with-pitchfork-86908-21731511/

Eccles admitted charges of assault and possession of a knife.

Multiple stabbings at 16th birthday party

A 16th birthday party in Nottingham became a crime scene this Saturday night as a fight broke out.

Police confronted a group of around 30 teens, using CS gas to control the situation, as one 19yr old was stabbed in the neck and his friend was stabbed at least 5 times. The mother of the 19yr old told the press that her son told her he thought he was going to die as he waited for the ambulance to arrive.


http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/homenews/Teenager-s-fears-stabbing-16th-birthday-party/article-1395347-detail/article.html

Teens beat a man to death

3 young men are in court this week on murder charges, following the viscious beating of a man in Cambridgeshire in Sept last year.

The man had asked the three lads, who were teenagers at the time, for a light. They set upon him after he "didn't say goodbye"; kicking him in the stomach and head, stealing his mobile and leaving him to die.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/8291631.stm

Mother and daughter suicide following gang torment

One story has dominated the press this morning; that of a mother who committed suicide by setting her car alight, with her disabled daughter also inside it.

Reportedly the family had been terrorised by a gang on their housing estate for 10 years, yet despite repeated calls to the police no action had been taken. Home Secretary Alan Johnson commented today that there were "no excuses" for this failing. Anti-social behaviour has had a lot of press coverage, in particular criticism of ASBOs, yet still it seems that police are failing to provide support for the victims.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/8279877.stm

Dizzee Rascal reflects on how being stabbed affected him

In a newspaper interview today, Cockney rapper Dizzee Rascal talks about how the experience of being stabbed in Ayia Napa has had a positive effect on his life.

"I always knew it could happen. It had happened to people around me and it was normal. But being so close to death – that changed me. Now I just appreciate life. Every day I wake ready for work.”

Dizzee has not really spoken about the incident before now, and he goes though the detail of how he felt in the aftermath, the influence it had on his work and how it reinforced his strong work ethic.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/09/29/dizzee-rascal-getting-stabbed-isn-t-glamorous-it-has-made-me-respect-life-more-and-work-harder-115875-21708343/

Social networking criticised as cyber bulling trend continues

The issue of 'cyber bulling' has been a hot topic in the press lately, as the nature of friendships on social networks are scrutinised.

There are 1.4m search results on Google for cyber bullying; the Archbishop of Westminister recently expressed concern over the craze and warned that when these friendships break down it leaves children/young adults vulnerable. He also said that an over-reliance on these virtual relationships is impeding young peoples abilities to make real, lasting friendships in the offline world.

OFCOM reported in 2008 that half of 8 to 17yr olds have a social networking profile. Facebook and bebo both have a minimum age requirement of 13, but recent reports have highlighted that they are unable to enforce this. Several charities are offering support for young people who have become victims of cyberbullying, however the social networking sites seem slow off the mark to take preventative action.

After 15yr old Holly Grogan committed suicide by throwing herself off a road bridge her parents released a statement saying that she was traumatised following the postings of dozens of abusive and threatening messages on her facebook wall. "Holly struggled to cope with the huge pressures placed upon her by the modern complexities of “friendship groups” and social networking". Only last month, another 15yr old - Megan Gillan - killed herself after being cyberbullied on bebo.

www.cybermentors.org.uk say that nearly 10,000 schoolchildren a week are seeking help to cope with cyberbullying. The charity Beatbullying is behind the scheme, which is supported by the PM. It seems that despite the ready availability of 'cyber-friends', loneliness is a major problem for young people. The charity ChildLine counsels 5,500 children for loneliness every year. And if virtual friendships affect a child's ability to make real friends, the impact of cyberbulling is further intensified.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1204062/The-fake-world-Facebook-Bebo-How-suicide-cyber-bullying-lurk-facade-harmless-fun.html#ixzz0SOaSV7WZ

In August a teenage girl became the first person to be jailed for cyberbullying. 18yr old Keeley Houghton was given 3 months in a young offenders institute and a 5 month restraining order after she threatened to kill a 14yr old on facebook.

Without a doubt the advent of social networking is one of the most significant events brought to us since the internet began; but unless we can stop this damaging and traumatic misuse of the sites, it could also be one of the most dangerous.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1214450/Mother-tells-tragic-Holly-tormented-Facebook-bullies.html#ixzz0SOXa9QfL

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/09/27/cursed-by-web-bullies-115875-21703228/

19yr old arrested following footballer stabbing

Premier League footballer Calum Davenport has been stabbed in both legs following an attack on him and his mother at his home in Bedford. 2 men have been taken into custody, one of whom is just 19.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/22/calum-davenport-stabbed-west-ham

Teen stabbing

An 18yr old has been charged following the stabbing of a teenager in Suffolk.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/suffolk/8277260.stm

More reports on the NSPCC survey (VAWG)

BBC coverage of the NSPCC poll, highlighting the abuse angle:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8230844.stm

Young Londoners: a positive view

More on the results of the Young Londoners Survey:

http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/28313

A more positive note in this story.

Young Londoners Survey reveals hopes for the future

A survey of young people in London has highlighted the issues facing young people in the Capital.

57% believe that the upcoming Olympics will offer opportunities to engage them, and inspire them to get involved with sport more. However the survey also revealed that teens feel bored and frustrated, with 58% saying policymakers in the capital should set up "more and better things for young people to do" as a priority.

More than a third (39%) said more police would make them feel safer. One percent of the thousand teenagers polled said they had been a victim of knife crime, and 5% said they had been mugged.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/sep/17/boris-johnson-olympics-sport

Girls arrested over stabbing

3 teenage girls have been stabbed in Essex. Police were called to the scene in Harlow on Saturday night; it seems that the girls had been involved in a fight which got out of hand.

7 girls aged between 14 and 17 have been bailed following the incidents.

http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/news/HARLOW-Girls-injured-stabbing/article-1360796-detail/article.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8270276.stm

Anger as rape cases go unrecorded

The news today is united in outrage at claims that police are not reporting hundreds of rape cases. Rules state they should only discount claims verified as false, reported to the wrong constabulary or recorded in error from their records.

It has prompted fury from campaigners and MPs who feel police still do not take rape allegations seriously. This comes the week after glamour model Jordan was blasted in the press for her reluctance to report her alleged rape to police.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/09/22/outrage-at-100s-of-rape-claim-snubs-115875-21691446/

Woman stabbed in attempted sexual assault

A woman has been stabbed in the back in Slough, in what police believe to be a sexually-motivated attack.

The woman, in her mid-20s, was walking along a canal when a man threatened and assaulted her - police have released a description.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/8246821.stm

Bristol called on to step up facilities for young people

There are calls for more facilities in areas of Bristol where young people hang out, to prevent them becoming involved in negative activities.

Bristol's MP has voiced her concerns following several stabbings in the city; "It's a combination of policing and stepping up that security, but also looking at the underlying issues. One of the things that really concerns me about what happened outside the World's End Pub is there are reports that some of the lads there were 14 and 15 year olds. We have got to reach them at a very early age to stop them getting involved in that sort of culture".

More police patrols have also been requested:

http://www.originalbristol.com/newscentre/bristol-news/calls-for-more-police-to-patrol-areas-of-bristol-following-fatal-stabbing-3354

Liverpool teenager dies after stabbing

A 32yr old man has been charged following the death of an 18yr old boy in Liverpool. The lad stumbled into A&E dept at the Royal Liverpool hospital with blood pouring from a stab wound, but later died of his injuries.

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/09/16/liverpool-man-in-court-on-murder-charge-after-kirkdale-teenager-stabbing-100252-24702318/

need2know picks up on youth unemployment

This week's newsletter from need2know is clearly picking up on all the negative press stories this week regarding youth unemployment.

The article on the site directs young people to work opportunities:

http://www.need2know.co.uk/need2know/work/work_experience/article.html/id=1726

More on young unemployed

The BBC has picked up the story today, featuring the stories of several young people and recent graduates who are struggling in the job market:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8256861.stm

Millions of under 25s unemployed

Recent murmurs of green shoots have been somewhat undermined this week, as a range of news stories have highlighted the rising unemployment levels amongst young people.

The Mirror reported that more than one in four youngsters are now out of work in Britain's worst unemployment blackspots (taken from the results of the TUC survey). That's over 1/3 of Britain's unemployed.

A look at the blogosphere reveals a real concern that we are headed towards a lost-generation of unemployed, as seen with previous recessions. See below link for this heart-breaking account...

The impact of this is huge; entire communities where parents did not work, resulting (speculatively) in an apathy, almost a self-fulfilling prophecy that the next generation do not work.

http://25andunemployed.blogspot.com/
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/09/13/millions-of-under-25s-out-of-work-as-one-in-four-youngsters-unemployed-115875-21670451/

MTV Sticky - global youth trends tool

MTV have published their youth insights source (branded MTV Sticky). Previously this was a private blog, however MTV have now launched this as a website open to all.

MTV do a huge amount of research with the youth audience, and content ranges from an interesting film produced by a teenage boy about gangs in Birmingham (look under The Grime Musical - it makes uncomfrtable viewing) all the way through to reviewing brand comms from Nike, Nintendo etc.

I think it's a great property; MTV do a yearly international youth survey and they'll be publishing the results on here, as well as weekly updates - so I'll be checking back regularly.

Take a look, at: http://www.mtvsticky.com/

Teenager stabbed in Bristol

A 17yr old has died following a stabbing at a pub in Bristol.

Reports that up to 30 young men were involved in a fight which led to the fatal stabbing accuse the gang of preventing a first aider reaching the vicitim, one of them reportedly saying "Leave the bastard to die".

A murder enquiry has been launched.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/8252026.stm
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/09/13/gang-stab-lad-then-tell-medic-let-the-b-d-die-115875-21669824/

Stop and search of children criticised

The controversial Stop and Search programme has attracted further criticism following a complaint. The parent of two children, aged 11 and 6, was stopped and had his belongings taken from him, and the children themselves were searched.

This comes after a 9yr old was stop and searched in London recently.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8248282.stm

Girls pressurised into sex

A shocking report into violence against women and girls from the NSPCC and University of Bristol has been released. Amongst the reported figures: 1/3 of teenage girls (13-17) in a relationship have been pressured into having sex, 1 in 16 had been raped and 1/4 had suffered physical violence.

Professor David Berridge from the University of Bristol, said: "The high rate and harmful impact of violence in teenagers' intimate relationships, especially for girls, is appalling. It was shocking to find that exploitation and violence in relationships starts so young

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/whatwedo/mediacentre/pressreleases/2009_01_september_teen_girls_abused_by_boyfriends_warns_NSPCC_wdn68078.html

Job promise for young people

The Prime Minister has promised that 100,000 new jobs will be created for young people. In an attempt to generate optimism on his return to Parliament, the PM has vowed to fight the recession, commenting that he wanted to avoid the climate of unemployment we saw with the last recession, where thousands were left long-term unemployed.

£1,000 will be offered to any company hiring an under-25yr old.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/09/02/optimistic-pm-promises-100-000-jobs-for-young-115875-21641557/

15yr old stabbed at Carnival

A 15yr old boy is being treated for stab wounds after he was found injured at the Notting Hill Carnival.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Stabbing-At-Notting-Hill-Carnival-Boy-Of-15-In-Serious-Condition/Article/200908415372129?lpos=UK_News_Second_UK_News_Article_Teaser_Region_9&lid=ARTICLE_15372129_Stabbing_At_Notting_Hill_Carnival%3A_Boy_Of_15_In_Serious_Condition

Police reported that the number of arrests at the carnival (Europe's largest street party) was down on previous years. Chief Inspector Jo Edwards said 222 people were arrested, compared with 280 arrests during carnival celebrations in 2008. Most were held for public order and drugs offences.

Youths arrested over fatal stabbing in brothel

Two men have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man in Bradford. The man was killed in an attack which took place at the brothel where he was living with his girlfriend. Police told reporters they were looking for 4 young men (in their teens or early 20s) who were seen around the property at the time.

F:\Account Management\CLIENTS\DANONE\Danone 2009\Cross Business\Competitive\Au 09

Youth offenders on knife crime

A report for the BBC (covered here by Headliners) examines how young people within the youth offenders programme feel about knife crime.

http://www.headliners.org/storylibrary/stories/2008/stopmadness.htm

Headliners radio report on knife crime

A group of young people in Maidenhead have produced a radio report on the issue of knife crime. It's quite insightful, examining how different teens are affected by it depending on where they live, and what they think of coverage of knife crime - specifically that it has a negative impact on perceptions of young people.

http://www.headliners.org/storylibrary/stories/2008/youth_violence.htm?id=358827949470947931517

'Headliners' investigate gangs

Headliners is a children's charity with a website dedicated to reporting news issues specifically for young people. A group of under 16s from Hackney have produced a film investigating how gangs in the area are divided by the postcode in which they live.

http://www.headliners.org/storylibrary/stories/2007/five_news_postcode_gangs.htm

Young people create film on gangs

A group of West London teenagers have made a film about the influence of gangs:

http://www.headliners.org/storylibrary/stories/2008/youthgangswhatstheattraction.htm?id=834181440894882040571

Teen stabbed in unprovoked attack

An 18yr old has been stabbed as he took a shortcut through a local park. The attack is seemingly unprovoked; 5 Asian men approached the youth and his friend, an argument broke out and the 18yr old was stabbed in the stomach.

http://www.theasiannews.co.uk/news/s/1129447_teen_stabbed_in_park

Social networking gets responsible

Social networking site bebo has responded to concerns that gangs are using social networking sites to publicise their violence by attempting to connect young users with youth groups and charities. The move is intended to increase access to support services for young people, and undoubtedly to try to improve perceptions of social networking as an agent for good rather than negative activity.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/online/therersquos-nothing-social-about-posing-with-knives-and-axes-1773071.html

It has been claimed that online gang activity is rife, with users posting photos of themselves posing with weapons and littering their profiles with references to crime. Increasingly now this is moving underground as profiles are set to private. On the flip side of this, young people have been using social networking sites to pay homage to friends killed as a result of knife and gun crime, posting poems and other tributes to the dead (see previous posts).

16yr old killed in shooting

A 16yr old boy is being hunted by police in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16yr old in Manchester. A further 4 others have now been questionned in relation to the incident.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8204657.stm

Underage festivals go down a storm

Summer festival season is well underway, and to give under 18s the opportunity to experience live music the Underage Festival has pitched up for a 3rd season. Organised by a teenage promoter, it offers young people not only something to do during the summer holidays, but also the chance to get involved and help organise the events.
http://www.underagefestivals.com/

The BBC has covered the events, with presenters/DJs attending:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_8181000/8181164.stm

Young people have blogged about the events, with feedback being very positive:
http://www.need2know.co.uk/need2know/time_out/arts_and_culture/article.html/id=1693

Young people in need of budgeting education

The impact of the credit crunch on young consumers is the focus of a news report out today. Born in a period of economic boom, todays teenagers are widely thought to have no appreciation of the value of money, and little understanding of how to budget effectively.

They've seen their parents get in debt, and are used to borrowing money themselves; coupled with the looming financial burden of university the outlook for a future in the black isn't too good. Economists point to this generation as the key to getting the economy back on an even keel; pointing out that they are used to hunting for bargains (especially online) and the current crisis means they may re-learn spending habits.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8163323.stm

Young offenders afraid to leave their cells

Reports today on a young offenders institute in Kent have claimed that conditions in the centre are so volatile that inmates are afraid to leave their cells.

Prison inspectors have reportedly found that bullying is 'rife' and conditions 'seriously unsafe'; there are also allegations of overcrowding.

Inmates are aged between 15 and 18, and staff were said to be poorly qualified to deal with them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8184705.stm

17yr old girl stabbed to death

A 17yr old girl in Wales has been found stabbed to death in Wales. The body of Chanelle Sasha Jones was found in a car which had been forcibly stopped by police.

In a new twist, a man believed to be her father is being questionned.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/8183325.stm

Youth 'sexting' trend concerns

Young people using text messaging to send explicit photos of themselves is becoming a bigger concern. There have been several reports recently that images sent in confidence (for e.g. from girlfriend to boyfriend) have been passed around others, got into the wrong hands, been posted online or used to bully the sender.

Most of the texts are sent by under-18s, and under British law it is illegal to distribute or possess indecent photos of a minor. So in theory, teens could be arrested for taking/sending photos of themselves; a number of such charges have been brought in the States and Australia.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_8181000/8181443.stm

Glasgow teens scared to leave the house

A study in Glasgow has found that teenagers feel so threatened by violence in their neighbourhoods that they are afraid to go out. Territorial issues enforced by gangs mean that young people have to take long routes to avoid conflict, or stay within their own housing estates.

The report calls for urgent reviews of funding for local police in order to address the issues.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8182601.stm

Social networking tributes to murdered teen rapper

A 19yr old has died after a stabbing outside the nightclub where he was performing.

Carl N. Beatson's body was found in a car stopped near Waterloo for jumping a red light; he died at the scene.

Over 3,000 people have joined a facebook tribute group set up to honour the teen; and a YouTube video released to mark the launch of his first single, 'Buy out Da Bar'.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8180112.stm

Government move to halt youth re-offending

Justice minister Claire Ward has pledged £8m over the next 2yrs for re-settlement programmes, in a bid to cut youth reoffending once they leave prison.

Ward stated that breaking the cycle of offending was key to helping young people and creating safer communities.

The move means that young offenders will have more access to information and services such as education, training and job applications.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8180527.stm

Bullying on bebo

An inquest into the death of schoolgirl Megan Gillan, 15, has uncovered that leading up to her death Megan was being cyber bullied.

Colassmates 'waged a war' against Megan and had been using bebo to post degrading and menacing comments.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/07/30/bullied-to-death-on-bebo-115875-21557626/

The charity Beatbullying have commented: "Cyber bullying can be more harmful than schoolyard bullying. Kids have no escape. It's a big issue for social network sites."

Met Police - choose a different ending viral launched.

Met Police's new anti-knife crime campaign has launched with a YouTube viral. Based on the idea of choosing your own ending, like that series of kids books, the viral is seperated into 3 sections. In between each, you are asked to make a decision - each has 3 outcomes and you can select which ending you get.

Really interesting viral; thought provoking and has generated some press coverage already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFVkzYDNJqo&NR=1

Young offenders institute branded a 'holiday camp'

A prison officer has revealed to the Daily Mail that inmates at Warren Hill in Suffolk lived a life of Riley; enjoying state of the art gym facilities and Nintendo wii games consoles.

Of course, it is the Daily Mail so we'd expect no less.. but still, stories like this do our 'Consequences' strand no good at all. Continued coverage in the press of prison as a holiday camp detracts from the very real negatives of life inside.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1202481/Latest-games-giant-plasma-TVs-personalised-toilet-seat-covers--The-lavish-prison-lifestyle-juvenile-murderers.html

TKAP criticised in national press

The press has criticised the TKAP for failing to reduce the numbers of teen deaths caused by knife crime.

In 3 areas, the number of violent crimes involving knives has increased (Thames Valley for e.g. has seen an increase of 42%).

Importantly, it has been recognised that the overall number of stabbings has decreased.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8161880.stm

KAAF coverage in local press

http://www.camdengazette.co.uk/content/camden/chronicle/news/story.aspx?brand=CAMCOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newscamc&itemid=WeED15%20Jul%202009%2017%3A49%3A43%3A743

Kids Are Alright Foundation announces gig in Camden

I read in my local paper about these two ordinary Camden men who are so concerned about knife crime in the area that they’ve given up their jobs to set up the Kids Are Alright Foundation.

Worried that local young people are disenfranchised, with no sense of belonging in their area and nothing to do, KAAF has been set up to address these issues by fundraising. The hope is that with money to set up teams, provide amenities and give young people something to be proud of, they will choose a more positive path.

KAAF has organised a gig at the Forum in Kentish Town and managed to get artists to perform for free. Check out: http://www.the-kids-are-alright.com/ for details.

Teenager stabbed at Bermondsey Carnival

Bermondsey Carnival was cancelled this weekend after a teenager was stabbed and bottled at the event. The festival, attended by thousands, was cancelled after the boy was found with wounds to his face and leg.

http://latestnews.virginmedia.com/news/uk/2009/07/12/knife_attack_halts_festival_concert

15yr old girl charged over knife attack

A 15yr old has been charged following a violent attack in Worksop. A 49yr woman was treated for stab wounds in what appears to have been a racially motivated attack.

http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/Worksop-girl-charged-after-stabbing.5454506.jp

21yr old on trial for murder of his girlfriend

A 21yr old man is on trial this week for the stabbing of his 19yr old girlfriend in Bolton.

The mother of the defendent is a police officer, and is accused of assisting an offender. She washed the accused clothes, apparently in an attempt to destroy forensic evidence.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5819816/Teenage-model-told-999-operator-my-boyfriend-stabbed-me-to-death.html

Social networking: agents of change bebo event

Yesterday I attended a conference hosted by bebo; examining how online social networking can and has been used to change how we listen and in turn speak to our consumer.

A diverse range of speakers included Alexander Rose, Rock Corps, Netsquared and The Princes Trust. High points of the day, for me, were talks and performances held by inspirational collective Urban Mission, who work with disadvantaged young people; plus an honest and poignant talk from young eating disorder sufferer, on behalf of the charity beat.

Throughout the day I was reminded of just how vital the issue of engaging with young people is if we are to help reduce the knife crime figures. Themes which came up in the workshop sessions helped reinforce several themes we have previously discussed;
- The need to engage young people through credible routes
- The power which enabling positive shared experiences can have
- The need for positive and accessible role models

The afternoon workshop session saw teams from a broad range of backgrounds (mental health charities, PR, online companies, youth workers and so on) working together to devise ideas for how the campaign can progress. Identifying key challenges, then devising solutions, the team ideas were:

1. Harness and unite people power - a coalition-funded pool of info available to all branded 'Help yourself'.

2. Engaging with disadvantaged young people - utlising our links with youth workers and other agencies to create a network of support and guidance for young people. To be hosted online but guide young people to those in their local area who can help.

3. Maintaining a balance between the need for credible communications to empower young people and our role as responsible adults. Branded 'See Change, Be Change' this idea saw a pledge from adults to young people for help and support.

4. Inspiring young people to value their lives. Direct and sustained communication with young people, (similar to the principles of Rock Corps) and fostering pride within their communities.

5. Finding the hook to engage young people. Incentivising with learning experiences, whilst inspiring them to also give in return.

6. Changing perceptions of knife carrying. Carrying a knife is not cool, it doesn't make you a real man.

7. Empowering young people to have realistic and positive role models. Branded 'Connect' this idea seeks to provide authentic and accessible role models for young people.

bebo will be writing up all ideas captured in the session, which I'll distribute once we receive them.

Teenager stabbed at school

A 14yr old has reportedly been stabbed in the leg with a penknife following an arguement about football.

http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/06/30/teenager-stabbed-at-school/

Moving the kids, but not solving the problem

An interesting development in education; in response to a £10m government initiative to expand state boarding school provision it has been reported that a primary school in Brixton is planning to open a boarding school for the pupils once they become teenagers.

In a bid to remove children from the dangers of growing up in Lambeth, some pupils will go to a Mon-Fri boarding school outside London. There are several unused boarding schools (which have gone bust) that the government are apparently looking into getting up and running again, but as state schools.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/jun/29/lambeth-boarding-school-teenagers

The announcement follows the release of government stats last week reveleaing that 8.5% of 16-year-old boys had carried knives to protect themselves, with disproportionately high levels in the capital and other urban areas.

Children fighting against knife crime

CBBC's Newsround has covered a story about a group of schoolchildren who are so concerned about knife crime that they have canvassed Boris Johnson!

Moved by the story of Ben Kinsella's murder the children bagan a campaign to tell people about the dangers of knife crime; producing posters, writing songs, performing a play and working with a graffiti artist to make a banner. Their MP went to the school and was questionned by the children on the measures which the government is taking to stop knife crime.

The story was covered as part of Newsround's on-going Press Pack programme which encourages children to report on their own news stories. The fact that knife crime is a concern of children at primary school age is a sobering thought.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_8110000/newsid_8116400/8116404.stm

Review of knife crime sentancing

Jack Straw has announced that sentancing for knife crimes is to be reviewed, following intense public scrutiny over the Ben Kinsella murder trial.

There's currently a 15yr minimum sentance for those who kill using a knife; considerably less than the sentance for those who kill with a gun.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jun/16/ben-kinsella-murder-jail-sentence

Boris pledge to tackle knife crime

Boris Johnson has pledged £2.3m to at least 150 agencies, in the fight to tackle knife crime.

http://www.freshbusinessthinking.com/news.php?CID=&NID=1528&Title=Johnson+Outlines+More+Help+To+Tackle+Knife+Crime+

Teens carry to feel safe, reports Met Police

BBC radio's Newsbeat has conducted a poll, speaking to teens living in TKAP areas. The results show that as many as 1 in 10 young people living in areas with high crime rates are carrying weapons in order to feel safe.

Key findings:
25% know someone who has been a victim of knife crime
9% say they have to carry a weapon to feel safe
55% say they are worried about other teenagers carrying a knife
44% think the police are unable to protect them from violent crime
30% think longer sentences for people found carrying blades would reduce knife crime
49% say they would not report someone they know who carried a knife or gun
70% say it is easy or very easy to buy a knife

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/the_p_word/newsid_8119000/8119417.stm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/feedarticle/8582071

Prince William meets with gangs to learn about street violence

Prince William has reportedly met with former street gang members, in an effort to understand more about Britain's street violence.

William commented, in his first ever newspaper report (for the Sunday Telegraph), "Britain's challenge is to turn gang members into team members".

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/sundaytelegrapharmedforcesday/5586701/Prince-William-we-must-learn-lessons-from-violent-street-gangs.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/22/wills-held-meetings-with-gangs-115875-21461066/

Plea for tougher sentancing on knife crime

The family of murdered teenager Ben Kinsella have called for tougher sentancing on knife crime.

The 3 men found guilty of killing Ben were each sentanced to 19 years in prison, however had they used a gun their sentances would have started at 30 years. The intense press coverage of the case has served to further highlight the much harsher terms for those found guilty of gun crime.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5541984/Ben-Kinsellas-family-attack-complacent-knife-crime-sentencing-rules.html

Anti-stab knife to go on sale

A revolutionary new design of knife is about to go on sale in the UK.

Developed by the Home Office's Design and Technology Alliance, and industrial designer John Cornack, the knife features a double-pronged and rounded tip. The end of the knife is designed to minimise potential harm - it snags on material, making it more difficult to stab someone.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6501720.ece

Think-tank warns that stop and search is not enough to impact upon knife & gun crime rates

A report out by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies has cast a shadow upon recent government reports that rates of gun and knife crime are falling.

Key findings indicate that the problem is entrenched in society, and that a large scale, multi-layered approach is required.

The report is critical of 'stop and search' as a singular method of tackling the issue, it points to the need for agencies to work together to create a holistic campaign, to ensure long-term solutions.

http://www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/youngpeopleknivesandgunspr.html

Fall in knife crime figures!

Justice minister Maria Eagle has told the press that stop and search has resulted in a definite decrease in knife crime. The minister reported a 15% decrease in knife crime amongst 10-17 yr olds.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/12/success-in-knife-war-115875-21434164/

IDHTH film on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCaYUXzaUqg

Kinsellas call for tougher sentancing on knife crime

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8100060.stm

Ben Kinsella's father condemns knife culture

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5506266/Ben-Kinsella-murder-father-condemns-knife-crime-culture.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5493572/Ben-Kinsella-murder-how-a-misplaced-glance-led-to-innocent-teens-murder.html

3 sentanced for murder of Ben Kinsella

3 youths have been convicted of murder at The Old Bailey. Aged between 16 and 20, they all face life sentances for the brutal and unprovoked attack on 16yr old Ben Kinsella in Angel last year. Ben was stabbed 11 times in 5 seconds, while out celebrating the end of his GCSEs.

Ben's killers all had criminal records, and one was a known drug dealer. The crime has been highlighted in the press, perhaps because this was not a gang-on-gang killing but a brutal and senseless attack on an innocent person.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8096423.stm

Ben's father stated "Knife crime is now sadly embedded in the very heart of Great Britain. Parents live in fear until their children are safely home. It can be for a wrong word, a wrong look, or a wrong post code ..."

19yr old dies in stabbing

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/faversham

18yr old dies in knife attack

An 18year old man has been stabbed and killed in Middlesborough. The killing was witnessed by a 6yr old girl.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4409859.Murder_charge_as_teenager_stabbed/

Teen stabbed to death in Hackney

A 13year old boy has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 17yr old sports star in Hackney.

Jahmal Maison Blair was stabbed in the neck on a busy street on Saturday night. A facebook group has been set up in his memory. Jahmal is the 6th teenager to die of stab wounds in London this year.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/may/23/london-hackney-teenager-stabbing

Police accused of negligence over schoolgirl stabbing

The family of a 15yr old girl stabbed 30 times by an obsessive ex boyfriend have said that the police ignored their repeated requests for help over his threatening behaviour.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8059336.stm

Teenage girls consuming 'toxic junk media'

The Daily Mail (yes, I know... but they're actually speaking sense this time) have published an article examining the TV viewing habits of teenage girls. The results show that they are watching programmes with themes covering very adult issues - such as incest, sexual abuse and drug addiction.

This is nothing new, I bet most women remember reading magazines that were much too old for them when they were teenagers, but it does serve as a reminder that the media is often a reflective surface for real life... with regards to our Swarmer audience this is almost certainly true.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1183891/Hooked-toxic-TV-Teen-viewing-diaries-reveal-alarming-diet-sex-greed-cruelty.html

Portrait of children who slip through the system

Channel 4 screened a film called 'The Unloved' last night. Directed by Samantha Morton, it's a gritty portrayal of a little girl who is put in care. Her parents are unstable, and she seems to slip through the care system with no-one seeming to care for her properly.

It's quite haunting; the little girl comes across some darki characters including a drug abusing shoplifter and an abusive care worker. The film highlights the inadequacies of the care system; her social worker doesn't get petrol allowance so doesn't go to see her, no-one will give her a straight answer, she's thrust into a hostile environment and left to get on with it.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-unloved/catch-up#2917993

Knife-related injuries on C4

Channel 4's programme 'The Homecoming' last night featured some people who had been involved with knife crime (well, had sustained knife-related injuries by the look of it). The programme follows one woman going back to the place where she was broought up in foster care, and she encounters people she knew then. At times it's very sad, mostly because of the stories of the people she left behind...

Catch it on 4oD...

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-homecoming/catch-up#2917375

Horror film inspires brutal killing of youth

In a horrific insight into the way that depictions of violence can influence young people, the horror film Severance has been named as the inspiration for a brutal murder of a teenager in Norwich.

The teen was tied to a tree, doused in petrol then set alight after he allegedly had an affiar with the girlfriend of his killer.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1174378/Teenager-burned-alive-scene-horror-movie-caught-love-triangle.html

Gang related stabbing kills 16yr okd boy

A 16yr old boy has died in front of his sister after being stabbed in an attack by a rival gang in Stockwell.

The gangs modelled themselves on notorious LA gangs the Bloods and the Crips, re-naming themselves as 031 (pronouned O-Tray) and ABM (All About Money). 031 are reportedly linked to the shooting (and death) of a 16yr old in 2007.

At least 5 other people and a Staffordshire bull terrier are being treated for stab wounds following the incident, which involved around 10 youths per gang.

The story references a football coach (links to our confidence strand, could potentially act as a mentor for young people) and lists the young people who have died in knife-related incidents this year.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1174208/Boy-16-dies-sister-stabbing-attack-park-battle-rival-gangs.html

Man stabbed in car park

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/8050838.stm

14yr old admits stabbing

A 14yr old has admitted stabbing another pupil in the back with a knife stolen from his grandmother's kitchen.

The attack took place in March but has just come to court. The attack was unprovoked. Disturbingly, the attacker said afterwards that he 'felt much better' and has since undergone psychological profiling.

The victim's lung collapsed and his condition was critical, however he is now recivering.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8049904.stm

Childline uses young people as content providers and campaign informants

Childline have produced a similar campaign to our 'confidence' strand - young people as content providers and trying to inspire them to use their talent. It's being led by Idea and has presence on Habbo, bebo and piczo.

http://www.idea.me.uk/

The site looks friendly and approachable, it's easy to use and is very focused on using kids creativity. It's quite twee however, indicating a younger audience and a very different one to our streetwise knife crime target.

The bebo page is a bit 'harder' in appearance, but mentions Childline's new 'creative agency' which detracts from the young person-to-young person feel they're clearly trying to foster. They only have 4 friends and there's a comment at the bottom of the page about it looking a bit lame.

http://skin.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=8600622623

Inspiring young people to get creative

Childline has launched a myspace page to enlist young people to star in the idents for their upcoming Dubplate drama (second series).

Featuring several high-profile music stars and media partners C4 and MTVBase, the page has friends sign-up facility, video clips and info on 'Spit it Out' - the name they've given to their campaign.

http://www.myspace.com/dubplatedrama2

Boy dies after double stabbing in South London

4 men have been arrested after two teenage boys were stabbed in a park in Lambeth.

One boy was dead by the time the emergency services arrived, bringing the total number of child victims of knife crime this year in London to 5.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8021882.stm

Reported 120% increase in child knife crime in London

The Standard has reported that over the past 4 years in London there has been an increase in the number of child knife crimes of a staggering 120%.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23668568-details/120+rise+in+child+knife+attack+victims+at+A+Es/article.do

The report criticises official figures which Jacqui Smith claimed showed a drop.

VAW and Closer magazine

VAW have teamed up with popular women's weekly Closer to further the reach of the public consultation:

http://promo.bauermedia.co.uk/vaw/Closer.htm

End Violence Against Women coalition

check out this site - it's a coalition of people and organisations, however the contact e-mail looks as though it's affiliated with Amnesty International:

http://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/

Roadshow to raise awareness of VAW launched today

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news2/Domestic-violence-awareness-roadshow-in.5179801.jp

Home Office criticised for choice of expert (VAW)

The Telegraph has criticised Jacqui Smith for her choice of psychological consultant for Violence Against Women.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/milo_yiannopoulos/blog/2009/03/27/jacqui_smith_ropes_in_a_very_serious_academic_to_address_violence_against_women_and_children

Guardian attacks British Justice system on rape issue

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/apr/15/rape-convictions-sexual-assault-cps-law

Teen views

Teenagers give their views in the Daily Mail - very skewed towards middle-class teens but some mature attitudes...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1168646/Binge-drinking-underage-sex-drugs-thoughts-suicide-Inside-secret-life-teenage-girls.html

Shocking knife attack on children in Doncaster

The papers this morning have been filled with reports of an attack on two young boys in Doncaster. The boys were mugged for around £3 cash, their trainers and mobile phones. The boys were found slashed, burned and robbed - and in deep shock.

One boy is reportedly fighting for his life after sustaining terrible head injuries during the attack, where a brick was reportedly used to beat the boy over the head.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/7984963.stm

The area is a former mining town and the attacks happened at the site of an abandoned pit. The quarry has attracted negative activity such as dumping, illegal motorbike riding and off-road drivers.

There has been speculation that the attacks may have been gang-related.

Young women accused of letting their guard down by female journalist

Daily Mail columnist Liz Jones has sparked a debate by insinuating that modern women care more about their appearance than they do about their safety.

Jones claims that the provocative outfits and poses of celebrities Girls Aloud and young models are inspiring women to be too focused on their outward appearance, dress inappropriately and let their guard down.

The story follows the trial of 'black cab rapist' John Warbuoys, who assaulted women after giving them spiked champagne in the back of his cab. Jones argues that her generation (young women of the 80s) were more savvy - and that young women are risking their safety by not taking adequate precautions when out alone.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1165542/LIZ-JONES-Ditch-It-bag-heels-girls-dust-rape-alarm.html

The Daily Mail is read by up to 4.9m people a day.

Violence Against Women - right to anonymity raised for those wrongly accused of rape

The news this weekend has been filled with stories covering the aquittal of Peter Bacon.
Bacon was accused of rape by a female solicitor who had been drinking so heavily that she could not remember intercourse taking place. Jurors took just 45mins to find the accused not guilty, and the case has thrown up questions around anonymity for those (wrongly) accused.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1165646/Id-report-rape-says-female-lawyer-accused-chef-rape-drunken-night-stand.html

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5982638.ece

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/03/27/chef-peter-bacon-accused-of-rape-of-drunken-lawyer-is-acquitted-in-45-minutes-115875-21230998/

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2344094.ece

New 'safe' social network for under 18s

Yoursphere has launched in the UK - a blog which puts safety first for young people - over 18s aren't allowed.

It was set up by a concerned Mum who wanted a safe place for kids to interact, away from 'creepers' - adults who may pose a danger to young people online.

http://yoursphere.co.uk/

More prison sentances for knife carrying

The Guardian's report on the latest governement figures:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/12/knife-crime-prison-sentences

Jacqui Smith claims 'We are winning the war on knives'

News reports today claim that figures released tomorrow will show a dramatic reduction in the number of hospital admissions for stab wounds. 'Stop and search' operations on young people are also unturning fewer knives.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/03/11/we-are-winning-fight-on-knives-home-secretary-jacqui-smithhails-mirror-campaign-exclusive-115875-21189293/

Smith is angered by the public perception of teens is still very negative, and that the impact of false stories leads to scaremongering; "there are young people out there who think that all other young people are carrying knives and therefore they need to carry one."

BBC view on youth clubs

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7913616.stm

The end of the low rise?

We've read a lot about the physical landscape influencing the society which inhabits it - today's BBC report examines the future of social housing:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7908607.stm

Casualty - gangs and knife crime

Casualty explores the effects of knife crime:

Opening on a scene of gang initiation - the boys involved are very young, even the apparent leader of the gang. The new recruit is set the task of stabbing the character who rescues him from a kicking... a dealer.

In contrast to our segmentation's 'moving on' figures, the inspirational character here is still involved with crime:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00hvsrq/Casualty_Series_23_Blood/

Radio 4 on gang culture

This radio programme examines the effect of gang culture on young people today, focusing on a North London estate, Stonebridge. He visits the estate he had previously been to 20 years earlier whilst looing into drugs and gangs, but this time he goes with an academic colleague of his, Suzella.

Suzella's son Zane is involved with a gang himself. She uses him as a subject for her own research, she lectures on criminology. Zane has been excluded and put in a young offenders institute following a stabbing. Suzella blames herself for encouraging him to make friends in the local area and says there was no option but for him to get involved with a gang - the pressure on him as a young black male in that area was incredible.

The physical landscape (introduction of low-rise buildings and the boarded-up shops) is discussed, as in Heale's book.

They meet a local 'moving on' figure who discusses how easy it is to get hold of a gun now, it's just part of everyday life. Young people now have grown up around violence, they don' know any different.

Interestingly Zane and Suzella say that there's nothing wrong with gangs being a 'surrogate family' - it's about protection and is not a negative thing. She feels helpless that she can't protect her son when he's out on the streets.

A pioneering programme, EXIT, set up by Julia Walton in Brixton after a fatal incident. It aims to inspire and empower young people to achieve better things. Julia discusses the prejudices facing young people in society today.

Suzella discusses how kids are seen as feral, but they actually feel that it is about self-defence and there's a breakdown of social and moral boundaries in their lives.

Zane's response to the punitive government reaction to violence is very negative; he says that life for him is already restricted as he can't move around London freely, so prison is just an extension of this.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search/?q=gangs,%20guns%20and%20families

Anti-knife crime site

Interesting site set up by Da Vision, a South-London focused organisation which aims to inspire and empower young people.

They run community-based initiatives to equip people to make positive life choices... truly inspiring.

Check it out:
http://www.provision.org.uk/knife.htm

Two teen deaths in London stabbings

Two seperate incidents involving teenagers have resulted in deaths in London.

At least one was the victim of gang crime, an 18year old was found with knife wounds near a railway. This follows the stabbing of 3 teens last week in a suspected gang fight.

This brings the total number of teens killed in violent attacks to 3 this year - however this time last year there were 6.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7900687.stm

C4 highlights the need for investment in youth activities

The Secret Millionaire programme featured a young entrepreneur who was placed in Hackney's infamous 'murder mile'. Shocked by the severe lack of investment (both financial and emotional) in young people, and able to foresee the potential negative paths their lives may take as a result, he deciders to invest in a youth centre and a young designer.

http://www.channel4.com/video/the-secret-millionaire/catchup.html

Interestingly, the programme highlighted the invaluable work done by adult mentors and places emphasis on the role they play in positively influencing young people, often with little or no financial support.

Youths accused of fatal stabbing

Suspects accused of fatally stabbing a man taking his young daughter to visit his wife and newborn son in hospital, have been described by police as young, black males. The attack took place in Croydon yesterday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7860342.stm

Guardian highlights growing concerns over knife crime with specific area on site

The Guardian has a whole area of their website on knife crime, with latest news stories, updates on crime stats and a POV.

They're also showing the latest Met Police anti knife crime ad and the stab wounds video. There's a mention of the Home Office campaign but you have to hunt around for the bebo link.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/knifecrime

They're reporting, but not backing any specific campaign (unlike The Mirror, who have the Stop Knives, Save Lives campaign).

Teen stabbed to death in London

Two teenagers are being questionned in London following the stabbing of a 15yr old in Plaistow on Saturday night.

The boy had attended a party at a church hall, the aim of which was to raise funds for activities in the local community. This is the first violent death of 2009, and follows the non-fatal stabbing of a teenager in broad daylight last week.

http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/rbnews/4045710.STH_WOODFORD__Teen_stabbed_in_broad_daylight/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7849658.stm

Jacqui Smith quizzed on knife crime

Newsbeat and 1Xtra listeners met with home secretary Jacqui Smith to voice their concerns and ask her opinion on a range of issues including knife carrying. It's all over the airwaves today.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/the_p_word/newsid_7844000/7844070.stm

Overall the responses she gave have been reported as being 'textbook' - this was percieved negatively, it was felt that she was impersonal and did not truly consider their viewpoints. It was a great opportunity for the government to show that it does care about the views of the average Brit, sadly she didn't quite pull it off...

Gangs recruit using social networking sites

The Independent has reported a disturbing trend for the recruitment of young people into gangs, using social networking sites (and specifically mentioning bebo).

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/social-websites-lure-youngsters-into-gangs-1063439.html

Although focused on a police investigation in Norwich, it is clear that this is potentially a widespread activity.

British pupils scared of gang-related violence in schools

Teaching union NASUWT has published a study (which will be delivered to the education secretary today) reporting that children are wearing safety vests to school, afraid that they will be a victim of gang violence:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/scared-pupils-wear-stab-vests-in-school-1419281.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/19/terrified-british-children-now-wear-bulletproof-vests-to-school-115875-21052205/

One pupil's comment highlights the feeling that carrying is necessary “I can protect myself with a knife or a gun. I would rather be arrested than dead.” Teachers claim that they increasingly feel as though they are personally responsible for the safety of their pupils, are themselves put at risk, and call for more support from the community to limit violence in schools. The report supports the calls for metal detectors in schools, one of the Mirror's Stop Knives, Save Lives campaign.

Although concerning, the report adds fuel to a moral panic which is already high on the agenda - leaving average Joe public more worried than ever about 'out of control' teens and feeling unempowered. There is limited coverage in UK national press, but internationally the press have leapt upon the story:

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24931840-401,00.html

Interestingly, given what we know about our target audience and their levels of exclusion, it is stated that many kids see school as a refuge from the dangers in the outside world:
"However, many pupils saw school as a "safe haven" compared with the outside – even though intruders had arrived intent to injure other pupils."

Government calls for anti-gang orders

The BBC reported today that Jacqui Smith has called for injunctions against gangs to be brought in, following a case in Birmingham last year.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7825314.stm

It also called for more data sharing between hospitals and the police, so that officers will know quicker when a stabbing has taken place. This will also allow for the Home Office to collect more accurate figures on victims.

Reflection on the negative perceptions of young people in society - and what impact this has.

Mark Easton writes for the BBC on 'The year we lost the kids'.

Following on from Time magazine's report on Brit's fear of their own children, Easton comments on the breakdown of relations between adults and kids. He identifies a clear and tangible distance between the two; on the one hand there is increasing disenfranchisment from the kids, who are seen as withdrawing (or being forcibly outcast) from society, on the other we have a society which reacts with horror when informed of child abuse cases but that devours media reports of young people as lawless, dangerous criminals, to be treated with suspicion and contempt.

"From Shannon Matthews to Baby P, we despair at the cruelty to children, but then casually describe young people as behaving like animals, as vermin which infests our streets."

Easton reflects on how as a society, we seek to protect our youngsters but then devalue their role by reinforcing prejudiced views of them as feral and out of control, thus leading to a situation where we withold support and guidance, and turn a blind eye to the situations which lead to kids getting into trouble.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/markeaston/2008/12/the_year_we_lost_the_kids.html