Young People Now columnist Howard Williamson says the rationale for deploying more coercive methods to ensure participation is that "times have changed" and youth work needs to address "the current realities affecting the social conditions of many young people" (YPN, 2-8 April, p11).
He is right: times have changed. Through physical, health and social education, learning mentors and now Connexions personal advisers, schools are being transformed from places of learning into centres for transmitting "appropriate" behavioural norms relating to sex, drugs and vocational matters. Pupil referral and behaviour units have also been extended.
Youth offending team programmes working with Connexions, and many Government-funded schemes and projects provide more of the same. These also operate largely on coercion.
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