Antisocial Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour refers to any form of nuisance, incivility, disorderly or offensive behaviour which impacts negatively on the quality of life of the wider community or its inhabitants.

Inevitably, such a broad term can encompass everything from nuisance neighbours and drug dealing, to anti-social drinking and vandalism. Although the term can apply to anyone, it is usually associated with young people and individuals/groups from poor neighbourhoods. This is particularly true in the media, which has played an influential role in driving the anti-social behaviour agenda set by the Scottish and UK governments. In Scotland, the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 provides the legislative framework for local authorities and the police to tackle antisocial behaviour in their areas. Among the powers at their disposal are Anti-social Behaviour Contracts/Agreements (ABCs/ABAs) and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). ABCs/ABAs are written agreements between a person (usually a young person) who has been involved in anti-social behaviour and any agencies (e.g. the police or a school) whose role it is to prevent further anti-social behaviour. The contract/agreement is agreed and signed by the individual and the agencies concerned. If the person is a child or young person, then their parents or guardian must be present when this takes place. The contract/agreement should list any incidents of anti-social behaviour in which the person has previously been involved in, as well as a firm commitment to stop this type of behaviour in the future. The contract/agreement should outline any support which is expected to be put in place, as should details of any form of legal action (e.g. an ASBO) which may be taken should the contract/agreement be broken. Most ABCs/ABAs last for six months, although they can be longer if required. They are not, however, legally binding although they may be referred to in court for an application for an ASBO. ASBOs are the cornerstone of the Scottish government's response to anti-social behaviour in the new millennium. Essentially a preventative measure, they are intended to protect victims of antisocial behaviour and the wider community from further acts of antisocial behaviour. Originally introduced for people aged 16 or over in 1998, they are now applicable to anyone aged 12 or over who is deemed to be acting in an anti-social manner. In Scotland any local authority or registered social landlord may make an application to a court for an ASBO. For more information on ASBOs and how it affects young people in Scotland, see here. For more information on the range of powers available to local authorities under the Act, as well as policy guidelines, documents and examples of good practice visit the Antisocial Behaviour Scotland website. For information on policy measures in England and Wales, visit the Home Office website. Recent papers and publications on anti-social behaviour which may be useful include: Evaluation of the Implementation and Impact of the Glasgow Antisocial Behaviour Taskforce "Forced to Make Amends": An Evaluation of the Community Reparation Order Pilots