Kiddo's Choice: The Consequences of Crime

Key Fact

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour is any behaviour that you think is wrong, upsets someone or is against the law.

What is an ASBO?

ASBO stands for Anti Social Behaviour Order.

Anyone over 10 can be given an ASBO by the Courts. It is a very serious thing and will last for at least two years.

If you have an ASBO there are rules about what you can and can’t do.

Top Tips

Remember

  • Anti-social behaviour is against the law.
  • Always think about how your behaviour affects others.
  • Sometimes bad behaviour can escalate and have very serious consequences for you and for others.
  • Don’t give in to peer pressure. Be your own person and make positive choices.
  • Respect other people in the community and they will treat you with respect.
  • Respect your environment so it’s a pleasant place to live.

Things to Make You Think!

Question: My friend says her boyfriend has an ASBO. She thinks it is very cool. What is that all about?
Answer:

Only some young people get an ASBO but they are very serious - I don't think they are ‘cool’ at all. An ASBO will last for at least two years and can be issued for a lifetime.

If you have an ASBO there are rules about what you can and can’t do. Each ASBO is designed to control the behaviour of the person it is meant for. You may have a curfew and be told not to go certain areas. This might mean you cannot see friends or family. Some young people have an electronic tag to enforce the rules.

If you break the rules of an ASBO you can be sent to a young offenders centre.

Introduction

Your school police officer will help you learn what could happen to you, your family, friends and community if you behave in an anti-social way, or commit a crime.

PC Mort’s Advice

Question and Answer

Question: What types of behaviour are anti-social?
Answer: It can be being rowdy, hanging around street corners in big groups, drinking alcohol in the park, bobby knocking, playing football in the street, graffiti, littering or any behaviour which is upsetting to others.
Question: What will happen to me if I am part of a group on the street drinking alcohol and being rowdy?
Answer: The police can confiscate the alcohol and will take you home to your parents.
Question: What if I have not been drinking or been anti-social myself?
Answer: You will still be treated in the same way as all the other young people in the group.
Question: Are many young people involved in anti social behaviour?
Answer: No, it is a small minority.

If you need help, phone ChildLine on

0800 1111

Calls are free from most mobiles and landlines.

Your call will not show up on the bill.

If you need to report a crime, call CrimeStoppers on

0800 555 111

Calls are free from most landlines.

Calls from mobiles may be charged depending on your network.