Antisocial behaviour: The ASBO debate

The Government argues that the orders protect the public from problem behaviour, rather than punish the perpetrators involved.

But critics of the orders say they do little to address the causes of antisocial behaviour, arguing that they can draw young people needlessly into the criminal justice system and brand them publicly as troublemakers.

They also argue that they are used too frequently against young people with learning difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other behavioural problems.

So should ASBOs be used against young people in the fight to stop antisocial behaviour?

MIKE THOMAS - Youth offending team manager, West Sussex

We are all concerned about antisocial behaviour and expect solutions to be found to such behaviours. But the reality is that ASBOs are not part of the solution and might serve to exacerbate the situation by raising false expectations.