New drive to reduce number of Asbos issued

A drive to identify and help troubled youngsters at an earlier age is to be launched in an attempt to cut the numbers of antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos) handed out to teenagers.

The Asbo system was enthusiastically promoted by Tony Blair as a way of nipping trouble in the bud, but has been criticisedby penal reform groups. They argue that it criminalises large numbers of young people who could be brought before the court if they breach their orders.

There are also concerns over regional variations in the numbers issued and fears that some teenagers see an Asbo as a badge of honour.

Ed Balls, the Children's Secretary, made clear that he wanted fewer Asbos to be given to teenagers in future. He said: "It's a failure every time a young person gets an Asbo. It's necessary - but it's not right. I want to live in the kind of society that puts Asbos behind us."

In October the Government will unveil its Children's Plan which will bring together policies on children's health, education and behaviour. Mr Balls said it would be the first time that all the policies which affected children up to the age of 19 would be brought together in one department, stating the priority was to put children "at the centre" of Government thinking.

"It is about parents taking their responsibilities seriously," he said. "It is about kids having interesting things to do and it is about young people having respect for the society in which they live."

Mr Balls, who has three children, said a personal priority was to tackle the dangers posed to teenagers when they go online, urging internet providers to give teenagers greater protection when they use the internet. "I start from the belief that this is a hugely exciting revolution in our society, but you have to know there are risks," he said.

"Parents need to be worried about kids giving out private information and there are issues around cyber-bullying, so we are having talks with the providers about more mentoring. And if kids feel unhappy about something online they should be able to push a button and get help."

Mr Balls launched a 10-year strategy this week for tackling the feeling of alienation and boredom that leads some young people into crime, harassment, vandalism and graffiti. It set out a strategy to rebuild trust between young people and adults, warning that the widespread fear of yobs on the street was undermining communities.

The strategy promises to "empower" young people by giving them the chance to influence how councils spend millions of pounds on youth activities. It also envisages events such as a national "Youth Week" and "coming of age" ceremonies to mark the transition into adulthood.