According to the Government the big problem amongst the young in our society is a lack of "respect", this has led to the so-called "Respect Agenda" which is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour. The problem is that what rarely seems to happen in the Government is an analysis of policies (Tory and Labour) over time that may have had the unintended consequence of bringing about the situation of "no respect" today.For example, the slow decline of youth organisations like the Scout Movement, the Boys Brigade, Forces Youth Cadets and Girl Guides, whilst at the same time the decline in attendance at other clubs which, for want of a better term "keep the kids of the street" must have played a role.
Interestingly today, the Manifesto Club has published another report into how the overbearing push for child protection laws has had a direct impact on these sort organisations and clubs.
The report details how there has been a rapid decline in under-18s at hobby clubs because the law requires everyone to have CRB checks and also to fill out form explaining why they want to work with under-18s. Many clubs have been forced to stipulate that under-18s have to be accompanied by an adult (preferably their parent) because of the nature of the new rules.
Is it any wonder that so-called "respect" is disappearing amongst even some of the youngest in society when we make it so hard for organisations that want to help kids and produce rounded adults to operate? Add to this the obsession of the Health and Safety fascism that dictates how adventure activities should be carried out, and what you end up with a society that fails its children in the name of protecting them.
5 comments:
Respect, an odd word in today's society. Do politicians encourage a society where respect is given? While they bang on about us all living as social beings, respecting one another etc, etc, they are more likely to spin against one another (within the parties), obfuscate, massage figures. It seems bizarre that they then try to lead the respect agenda. Perhaps leaving to it the youth organisations would be far better as one sniff of Westminster politics turns most young people off completely.
Hi Dizzy
This is interesting. Have you got any charts or tables of the decline of membership of these youth organisations vs the introduction of CRB checking.
I was active in various youth activities myself, and never threatened by predatory youth or adults, and I am the father of two kids who take part in a number of activities (and to be honest I don't know whether everyone they are led, taught and supported by is CRB checked).
I am a Trustee or Volunteer with various orgs that work with children and young people too and have a coaching qual in athletics (though I coach only adults, I will need a CRB check to progress that).
I also worked with an org for six months on ex-coalfield estates with young people. I wasn't CRB checked during that time though I should have been and I had very grave doubts on whether all others in contact with the young people had had CRB clearance.
There is also a danger within groups and between the 'adults' attached to participants (but not to the orgs) that is not covered by CRB checks.
My impression is (a) there is still a lot out there in most areas and (b) the decline in the more paramilitary parts of the provision began long before the ramping up of CRB or H&S rules.
Very interesting. May blog something later if i have time.
Chris P
I would email the Manifesto Club about it all.
Part of the decline in organisations like scouts and guides is the lack of adult volunteers. Last time I checked, the waiting list for would-be guides was 50,000 and for the scouts 30,000. I gather Woodcraft Folk have a similar problem and can't open clubs in all the places where there is a demand.
Unfortunately a lot of emphasis now is on 'diversionary' or 'positive activities' (ie things to stop children offending) rather than on simply providing youth clubs etc. The best way for children to get leisure provision is probably to get into the local Youth Offending Team's '50 most likely to offend' category.
There is also a concentration of competing orgs on bad, worse, worst SOAs and estates.
PS Thanks Dizzy I will try to get hold of the manifesto folk after the holiday
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