Opinion

Youth clubs do not foster risk takers

2 mins read Youth Work
I must confess to having been a bit worried about the results of the recent Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) report Risky Behaviour and Social Activities, as it seemed to suggest that those who attend youth clubs were more likely to be involved in risky behaviour such as fighting, shoplifting and vandalism.

The study looked at young people's involvement in risky behaviour during secondary school, the social activities they engage in, and how these may prevent or reduce risky behaviour. It found that young people who had a higher involvement in activities such as sports or attending youth clubs also had an increase in risky behaviour.

The sceptical explanation to these findings is that generic youth clubs actually foster and encourage risk-taking behaviour rather than reduce it. By socialising together, young people can have a negative impact on each other causing more of them to take part in risky activities. This negative interpretation could raise some difficult questions about the nature of youth clubs and how they are run.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here

Posted under:


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Administration Apprentice

SE1 7JY, London (Greater)