Opinion: Debate - Should police remove lone teens from central London?

NO - Anne Longfield, chief executive, 4Children

Media perception of the teenage yob as a focus for anti-social behaviour policies is a vicious cycle of self-fulfilling prophesies that can only be broken if we perceive children and young people as an asset, not a liability. Rather than police time, we need to look at increasing and furthering the children's workforce - integrating outreach workers, childcare professionals and social workers - to ensure vulnerable young people are protected, diverted and safe, yet at the same time respecting their inherent rights as citizens.

NO - Lucy Knappett, 17, chair of Chichester Youth Council

I think that adults should treat children the way that they'd like to be treated. Not all children and young people are perfect, but neither are all adults. Maybe this means that some adults should also be excluded from the area - see how they like it! In reality, I don't think that shutting out young people and children will achieve anything other than more unnecessary work for the police. Involving young people would surely be a more positive action to take.