Frazer Patrick, chairman of Youthlink Scotland's newly formed policy forum, hit out at the bill during Youthlink Scotland's annual conference (25 October). "Antisocial behaviour has grabbed the agenda and that has taken us down the road of demonising young people," he said.
"This must not be the context in which we approach young people."
The outcomes of the consultation into the executive's proposals also spelled bad news for the bill's youth elements. The consultation revealed strong opposition to fixed-penalty notices for under-16s and more police powers to disperse groups.
The consultation also uncovered concerns about plans to extend the use of antisocial behaviour orders. The authors of the consultation report wrote: "A very strong theme emerging from the consultation was the belief that the proposals were disproportionately targeted at young people."
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