An examination of the draft guidelines suggests the UK has taken some positive steps in recent years - for instance, in the directive for professionals to take a multi-disciplinary approach. But in other crucial aspects, the UK can be found to be severely wanting - no more so than in protecting the privacy of children. The draft guidelines state that no information should be made available or published that could reveal the identity of children involved in judicial or non-judicial proceedings.
Yet our courts and media too often persist with the Neanderthal practice of "naming and shaming" children who have offended. There is no evidence this rehabilitates children. It is far likelier to make matters worse and prevent them overcoming their anti-social behaviour. It does nothing to encourage respect between generations and understanding of some children's difficulties and everything to divide communities and ensure a climate of fear and hostility.
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