Parents, take greater responsibility for your children

Published: 20 January, 2011

• ALONG with the police and Karen Buck MP, we also deplore the recent spate of attacks in North Westminster and are working closely with the relevant authorities and the local community to tackle the very genuine concerns over gang violence (front-page story, January 14).

However while the services provided by the council can and do have a positive impact on children and young people, parents have a bigger responsibility to support and encourage their children so they develop into responsible adults and productive members of society. I appreciate that it can be challenging bringing up teenagers but it’s critical that parents know where their children are – especially after dark – and young people simply shouldn’t be left alone to wander around outside or congregate on street corners late into the night and early hours. 

If a parent can’t talk to their child directly, we would urge parents to talk to each other. By working together as a community you can watch out for warning signs that young people may be getting involved in crime or gangs. 

Equally, young people who are caught up in a gang should keep in mind that it’s not just they who could suffer from violence and retaliation, but also their innocent younger brothers and sisters as well.  

Parents are the biggest influence on any child and if we are going to address this problem they need to take greater responsibility for their children. 

CLLR NICKIE AIKEN
Cabinet member for children and young people