Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: A look at the riots from the perspective of young people.
[10 August 2011] - Riots have affected parts of cities across the UK for four consecutive nights, following what started out as a peaceful protest in North London by people demanding answers from the police for the fatal shooting of a local man. While looting, arson, and property destruction have undoubtedly affected many children and youth in targeted communities, media attention has increasingly turned to the young age of some of those involved in these activities. Youth workers have condemned the destruction, but at the same time emphasised that only a small percentage of young people are actively participating in the riots, and expressed concerns that media representations of the violence risk marring the image of all young people based on the actions of few. Similarly, the British Youth Council has urged those involved to stop engaging in violence and looting, as this behaviour flies in the face of work to promote positive images of young people, the vast majority law-abiding and intent on contributing to their communities. Children and Young People Now (CYPnow) spoke to a young volunteer helping to clean up the streets in the aftermath of the destruction, observing: "There has been so much focus in the media showing young people in a very negative light. But a lot of young people are really upset about what has been happening. They feel helpless about what they can do to stand up against it...Volunteering to clean the streets is a really positive way that young people can do something to help. It’s a way to combat the negativity that’s out there and show solidarity with their communities." British Prime Minister David Cameron reacted by saying action will be taken to deal with the violence in London as he told young people involved: “You will feel the full force of the law”, according to the Yorkshire Post. However, youth organisations have stressed the need to address the reasons behind young people's involvement in the riots, pointing to recent youth services budget cuts and the lack of hope in disadvantaged sectors as potential contributing factors. Lara Oyedele, the chief executive of a social housing organisation, told CYPnow that some sectors of today’s youth are disaffected, unhappy and upset. Perhaps tellingly, Ms. Oyedele warned that "as long as the situation stays the same, we're going to have more riots on the streets because there are too many angry young people thinking they have no future." Further information: