Wrong to tar all with anti-social behaviour brush
ISSUES raised by Bexhill's Local Action Plan (LAP) flagged up a number of priorities with young residents, who have made it clear they want their voices heard.
Sadly they feel they are not catered for in the town, claiming there is a negative attitude towards them, with businesses and public transport making them feel unwelcome.
It's a sad fact that anti-social behaviour displayed by a certain element of young people can all too easily lead their elders to – wrongly – tar them all with the same brush.
Good manners cost nothing. Most adults wouldn't put up with bad treatment so why should young people be any different?
Repeatedly being on the receiving end of negative attitude from their elders will only encourage anti-social behaviour, not diminish it.
Businesses should know better. Most young people have families, parents, grandparents, etc., and treating them with disrespect is bound to be passed on, and on, and on. Word of mouth speaks volumes and cuts both ways.
There are many youngsters who live in the area who do exceptional things for the town.
For example Bexhill High student Keaton Peppiatt has received recognition for his work sending parcels to British forces in Afghanistan, actively encouraging the school and his peers to be involved.
This week students from both Bexhill High and St Richards Catholic College were presented with the Princes Diana Anti-Bullying Awards.
Young people are the future and need to be given a break.
As the legendary entertainer Fred Astaire once said: "The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any."
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
