Talking Point - Should young criminals be named and shamed in the media?
Joe Lepper
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Young people convicted of crimes are being named and shamed in newspapers. Start a discussion about whether this helps communities or breaches young people's rights.
Last month The Central Somerset Gazette became the latest media outlet to attempt to name and shame a young person convicted of a criminal offence.
The newspaper argued that the crimes committed by a local 13-year-old boy, including an assault with intent to rob, were so serious that his neighbours had a right to know his identity.
The attempt failed, with magistrates warning that such a move would not be in the interests of the public or the boy.
While this boy's anonymity has been preserved, many other young people are still named and shamed by the media.
Young people subject to Antisocial Behaviour Orders (Asbos) are regularly named, a policy that the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has criticised for breaching their right to privacy.
Late last month Gordon Brown said that naming and shaming of those who receive Asbos of all ages should go even further, with information promoted online and through leaflets.
The issue is sure to create a lively debate among young people. There will be some that believe young criminals do not deserve privacy, while others will be concerned about the consequences of naming a criminal.
What chance is there for rehabilitation if a young person is named? What is the media's motivation? Is it to gain more readers or to genuinely help the community? Is naming and shaming criminals indicative of the wider demonisation of young people?
Look at some high profile national cases such as the naming of the young killers of James Bulger and the attempt to name two boys in Doncaster, who were convicted of torturing other young people in September.
Consider also the role of victims. Some present at the youth club will have been the victim of crime. Has their experience altered their view about naming young criminals?
The Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) has set up the campaign group Report Right, which calls for an end to the naming of young criminals and greater protection of young people's privacy.
CRAE head of policy Sam Dimmock says the campaign group, which is led by young people, is looking to stage a discussion between members of the media and young people about privacy versus freedom of speech.
Consider inviting a local journalist or editor who has recently attempted to name and shame a young criminal to the youth club to take part in a similar debate.
