How can kids suddenly learn respect if it is something they have ignored in the past? How can “respect zones” succeed when parents, schools and various agencies have failed?
The very word “respect” will turn kids off because to them it sounds too authoritarian, James’ story typifies the kind of challenge the government faces. And this is what Lisa, 18, says about the government’s latest plans, she hasn’t fallen for the gimmick:
“It’s about taking away part of freedom. The freedom to hang out and be respected and to be individuals.
“It is [Tony Blair's] last year in office and he wants to go out with a bang. He wants to prove they can actually do something right for once.
“People don’t respect us. If they show respect for us we show respect. If they discriminate against us we are going to lose respect for them.”
Kids do need to feel their views are respected, that they are listened to, but they need to learn values too and have self-esteem. I believe they need support much earlier on in their lives, their guidance and role models come from their home environment and families, as well as schools. Many of them are leaving school barely educated, as Jade has demonstrated.
Our teenagers are among the most badly behaved in Europe, that’s the legacy of this government. It’s certainly not a badge of honour for Great Britain.
How would you solve this problem?
