AFTER reading about an issue at McDonald’s in Runcorn on Facebook, I have to ask why on earth youths hang around fast food outlets and shops?

If they are under 18 the parents should be punished for their child’s behaviour.

If parents are not able to control their child then there needs to be a service which supports them in doing this.

I was at Halton Hospital the other day waiting in a clinic and a woman was on her phone while her child, who was approximately 10 years old, ran through the clinic repeatedly.

When he stopped he climbed all over the seating and attempted to drag the chair from the wall.

“If you behave I will buy you...”

Yes, she tried bargaining with him.

My mum would have only had to give us ‘the look’.

I am sick of hearing that youths have nowhere to go. Stop having children if you can’t control them or provide them with entertainment.

Some are well behaved, granted, but even areas designed for children and young people they trash.

There should be no dispersal notice required by police for hanging around shops and McDonald’s etc.

It should just be law that they are not allowed to loiter around such places.

Schools and councils are keen enough to fine good parents who take their kids out of school for a week for a holiday that they have been able to afford.

So where is that heavy foot to press down on parents whose kids are just a nuisance or those who sit enjoying a quiet night in while the public has to put up with their child’s anti-social behaviour?

I know there are good kids out there – even with the gangs you will get an apology from some for being in the way etc.

But parents need to be aware of what their kids get up to when they go out.

Tackling these issues proactively could even see kids turn their lives around, rather than leaving school with nothing.

The good need recognising positively. Praise the kids who are a credit to society – don’t just be silently thankful that they are good kids, which happens in schools.

Schools are an excellent place for children and young people’s actions in the community to be tackled using substantial partnerships of educators, police, social services, local government, parents and even older, more experienced pupils themselves.

There is no point aiding youngsters’ progression as human beings in school from 9am to 3pm without continuing the same strength of guidance after they go home.

I would love to see such an idea work.

Children and young people are not born naughty or anti-social.

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