Yobs Heart Asbos
It's been seven years since Tony Blair introduced antisocial behavior orders, many of which criminalize lawful behavior for targeted individuals. A new study finds the civil orders are ineffective, overused, and largely ignored. On the other hand: Kids love 'em!
Parents and some professionals, including magistrates, commonly argued that Asbos functioned as a "badge of honour", and referred to them as a "diploma" rather than addressing the causes of bad behaviour.
One mother of three children issued with orders told the researchers: "Some of the friends are left out now because they're not on an Asbo. I think they all want one. I know a boy that's hellbent on getting an Asbo because he feels left out."