Speaking as the YJB released a report into young people involved in gangs, Graham Robb said the media focus has not been helpful.
"There are a few young people involved in full-blown gang activities but most groups collect for social and emotional reasons rather than to engage in crime," he said.
But he added that media interest had at least prompted meetings between the YJB and the Prime Minister and Home Office, saying: "It's encouraging some good work to be done."
Ian Joseph, a co-author of the report, supported Robb's comments. He said that media attention on the subject "makes it impossible for the public to define what's going on. They start off with a wrong concept about who's getting involved in violent crime and how it starts."
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