13th August

4Children says scrap curfews and provide more activites
Curfews should be scrapped and young people should have access to dedicated "children's zones". 

Geethika Jayatilaka, deputy chief executive of the children's charity, said every local area should have a designated zone where children and young people have access to activities ranging from sport to music.

She said: "It's about joining up activities to make them easy to get to. We want local authorities to build on the extended services model but link in youth services and summer holiday activities."

The charity has also called for local authorities to employ play rangers to oversee outdoor spaces and deter gangs and disaffected young people from making trouble in community areas.

However, Sergeant Jason Adams, neighbourhood team leader in charge of a voluntary curfew scheme in Redruth, Cornwall, said: "I can understand why people are calling for an end to curfews because of human rights. But we're responding to what the community wants."

source: Lauren Higgs, Children & Young People Now