Recent research has shown that young people being present on the streets is viewed as undesirable in many communities.
YPN magazine: 3-9 May 06: 2. The British Crime Survey figures show that 32 per cent of people interviewed see young people hanging around the street as a problem. This figure represents a rise of 3 per cent on last year.
I think that the phrasing of the question itself, ‘hanging around’, represents a negative view of young people and gives an indication of the way that the general public views young people. To me, the phrase ‘hanging around’ implies that young people are viewed as aimless, that they have nothing to do.
There may be some elements of truth in this idea of boredom amongst young people. Many young people I come into contact with bemoan the lack of activities for them to engage in.
But perhaps young people choose to spend time on the streets for a number of other reasons too. Whilst they may not necessarily articulate it in this way, I think that ‘hanging around’ is a significant way in which young people build relationships. As the group interacts with each other and the environment around them, experiences contribute towards relationship building.
Another factor that I see as significant is one of territory. At home, perhaps a parent or carer will be in charge and have a degree of control. There are rules that must be obeyed and expected conduct on the part of the young person. One could say that the home is the territory of the parent or carer.
However, outside the home these rules are perhaps not present or at the very least they are more difficult to enforce. When young people are outside together in a group they may feel a sense of power and of control. Young people may feel less restricted outside compared with rules experienced at home and at school.
My own work involves not only providing space for young people, but also changing ways in which young people are perceived negatively.
In my opinion, the presence of young people in groups is not welcome on the streets of many communities. This is further supported by a recent advertising campaign by the Metropolitan Police Service (2006). http://www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods/campaign_sn_06.htm
The campaign is set up like a ‘spot the difference’ puzzle. There are two pictures, one showing a park with, and one without young people in it. The picture without a group of young people depicts ‘Safer London’. I think this negative view of young people demonstrates a characteristic of the police as an organisation.
Not only that, but I think the campaign serves to reinforce the insecurity of the public with regards to groups of young people.
Not the most helpful thing for the Met Police to have done. Check it out for yourself and see what you think!
I was 'chuffed' to meet England's world cup winning Goalkeeper from the '66 final, Gordon Banks. Banks and I talked about his great save against Pele and a goal that Jimmy Greaves scored against him. Interestingly, he wasn't so keen to talk about Greaves goal!
