Underlying Principles:
 

Society’s youth (11-17 years) should be treated with as much respect as any other age group, perhaps more so given their unique challenges.
 

Adolescence is a time of emotional and physical upheaval, where brain development and hormones drive risk-taking behaviour, a greater evolutionary need for independence from families, and an increased desire for acceptance from peers. As individuals go through the process at different times and ages, they find their friendship groups and interests fluctuate; sexual awareness and activity become a new element in their lives.  The advent of social media and the internet (particularly pornography) has exaggerated the impact of these changes.
 

Throughout this, the way that they are treated by their families and communities, and the provision of services and facilities they receive, has a big impact on the way that they behave, and how they perceive their place in society.
 

A progressive society should have policies in place that allow for this life stage to be managed appropriately, and without the demonisation of young people who may have few options to express their frustrations, emotions and needs.  We are currently failing in the adequate provision of a “third space” between school and home where youths can express themselves in ways they feel comfortable.  Too young for pubs, too old for playgrounds, too intimidating to be allowed to loiter on pavements, too poor to participate in many clubs, teams or entertainment venues, physically maturing but emotionally developing, resentful of disapproval, desperate to impress their peers and reckless to the consequences of some of their actions, they can easily become targets or perpetrators of crime, or involved in gang-led activity and the supply or use of addictive substances.  Once on this path, many struggle to recover, or thoughtlessly commit acts that cannot be undone. The cost of intervention and provision at this stage would far outweigh the future costs of maintaining the status quo.