Anti-social behaviour is generally defined as anything which causes harassment, stress or alarm to other members of the community. Sometimes this behaviour is a crime (e.g. vandalism), other times it isn’t (e.g. playing football in the street). Adults can behave anti-socially as well, for example driving carelessly in residential areas, playing loud music or begging in the town centre.

Young people are often blamed for anti-social behaviour, sometimes unfairly. Young people are citizens, and they have the right to be out with their friends like anyone else. But young people also need to understand that their behaviour, especially in groups, can sometimes frighten or upset people even if they don’t mean it to.

If the Police think that young people are behaving anti-socially, then they can talk to them and explain what’s wrong. If it’s a big problem, they might visit the parents, schools or youth clubs as well.

If problems continue, then the young person might be asked to agree to an Acceptable Behaviour Contract ABC).

As a last resort, the Police can ask a Court to issue an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) which makes it a crime for the young person to do certain things. This might include wearing a hoodie, travelling in a car, or associating with specific people in public. An ASBO can last up to 5 years and have a serious effect on a young person’s life - nobody wants that unless it’s really necessary.

If you are a young person who has been accused of anti-social behaviour, it’s really important that you calm down and listen to the Police. If you still don’t understand why they are accusing you, ask a parent or a safe adult like a teacher or youth worker to help you to talk to the Police. Remember that the Police are only doing their job, and they want to help you stay out of trouble. If you are arrested or taken to court, then it’s important that you take advice from the free solicitor straight away.

If you are suffering from anti-social behaviour by young people, then you can get help and advice from your local Police station or Crime Reduction Partnership. Please remember that young people don’t always understand the impact of their behaviour, and be patient whilst the Police and other services try to sort it out for you.

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs)

If problems continue, then the young person might be asked to agree to an Acceptable Behaviour Contract. This is a promise to stop doing certain things which are upsetting other people, and sometimes a promise of a reward or leisure activity for them if they succeed. An ABC is voluntary, so young people don’t have to agree to it unless they think it’s fair.

If the young person won’t agree to an ABC, or if they don’t keep to the promises they have made, then the Police will probably start to deal with them as offenders. Laws like the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act make it a crime to behave in a disorderly way that upsets people, and there are other laws for vandalism, under-age drinking etc. The young person will get a criminal record, and they may have to go to Court with their parents.