Policy and Practice: Soapbox Government must do more to respect young people

But what about societys respect for children and young people? So far, this part of the equation has been omitted from the Governments interpretation of respect. Surely respect goes both ways? Government cannot legislate for respect, but it can do a lot to help create a respectful culture through engagement, inclusion and support.

Action should be taken on a number of fronts. First, everyone should be treated equally, regardless of age, sex or background. Young people should not be seen as second-class citizens and they should have the opportunity to play a meaningful part in their locality.

Second, government bodies need to take more responsibility for protecting groups at risk of being socially excluded, such as those expelled from school or in the youth justice system, and not just allow them to be written off.