British adults 'fear youngsters'

Britain is in danger of becoming a nation fearful of its young people, a report has claimed. It says British adults are less likely than those in Europe to intervene when teenagers commit anti-social behaviour. The Institute for Public Policy Research blamed changes in the family, communities and the economy for the "increased risk of youth crime".

Children's charity Barnardo's echoed the claims, saying youngsters have been "demonised" by the media. The report says 65% of Germans, 52% of Spanish and 50% of Italians would be willing to intervene if they saw a group of 14-year-old boys vandalising a bus shelter, compared with just 34% of Britons.

source: Article < British adults 'fear youngsters' >; news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ uk_news/6074252.stm; BBC NEWS; 22 October 2006