Sir, I was shocked to read that 49 per cent of adults regard children as increasingly dangerous (“Most adults think children are feral and a danger to society”, Nov 17).

The Prince’s Trust has long been concerned that children and young people are increasingly demonised in a society that characterises them as layabouts and hoodies. The real danger is that young people will see such stereotypical coverage in the media (where 60 per cent of articles are negative) and feel that it is the only way to behave.

We think it’s time to change the record, to show the positive difference that young people make to society. That’s why The Prince’s Trust, along with 14 other charities, has launched Youth Week.

Teenagers are more likely to do voluntary work than people from any other generation; two thirds of those aged 10-15 raise money for charity; and 10,000 young people transformed their communities on Prince’s Trust projects last year alone. We shouldn’t ignore the serious issues we face as a society. But we should also celebrate the positive things that young people achieve.

Martina Milburn
Chief Executive, The Prince’s Trust

Sir, As Martin Narey, chief executive of Barnado’s, rightly points out people are developing a worryingly poor view of young people in society today. I strongly disagree, however, that the remedy is to lump this attitude in with racism and stigmatise anyone who dares to mention what is happening on our streets.

The problem is not intolerance but tolerance. When young people cause disturbances in public how often do us adults intervene? Practically never. We fear retribution from the child’s group and/or lack of support from not just those around us but the law of the land.

When a seven-year-old boy decided to jump on to my shop counter and start kicking things the other day I bellowed at him to get down. He sneered at me and said “What you going to do? You can’t touch me”. And he was right. If I had pushed him off or grabbed him I could have been arrested for assault, not to mention the months of harassment from his gang.

We need to give adults and young people the support of law and society when they confront this freeranging and obnoxious minority.

When the first belated punishment they experience is prison it is often already far too late.

Byrne Harris
Whyteleafe, Surrey

Sir, So the streets are being “infested with children”? I should hate to think that the only people I am likely to see in a street are other septuagenarians.

David Wilson
Bridell, Pembrokeshire

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