Groups or gangs? We shouldn't tar all young people with the same brush..
We see it time and time again – young people congregating in large groups across town centres, in parks and public spaces. For teenagers, spending time together is a top priority but where can they socialise without becoming a nuisance?
Across Armagh there does seem to be a general consensus that groups of adolescents are, generally speaking, up to no good. But, surely, it’s healthier and more beneficial to see kids simply hanging out together rather than solitarily sitting in their bedrooms staring at screens?
Unfortunately for those innocent youths of our city, stories like that of last Friday, where a young man with learning difficulties and his brother were beaten by a group of males outside a cinema in Armagh, do little to assuage public concern.
There was an outpouring of emotion and literally hundreds of you commented on our social media channels. One woman saying:
“This is disgusting as a mother to a young man who has just started to get the confidence to walk about town on his own to become more independent who also has autism this is my worst fear and now it has become reality.”
Today, young people face a number of challenges when it comes to socialising and building relationships with others; between the prevalence of social media and changing societal norms – it’s definitely not the same as it was ‘back in the day’.
Armagh I, as part of our youth series, has been speaking to a variety of clubs who provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to come together and participate in a variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and educational programs. Often, these are staffed by caring and dedicated volunteers who work hard to provide a positive experience for all participants.
Many of these groups, like St Oliver Plunkett’s in Crossmaglen, who feature in the first episode of our Youth Video Series, are dedicated to empowering young people and giving them a voice in the community and build a strong and supportive community that values the contributions of the youth they support.
Many young people today are characterised by a strong sense of activism and social awareness. Young people are often passionate about issues such as climate change, social justice, and human rights, and they are not afraid to speak out and take action on these issues. Should we as a society do more to support the young people who are the leaders of the future and help them understand the changing world we live in, rather than point the finger of blame?
No… we may not have skate board rink or graffiti wall, but Armagh and the surrounding areas do offer facilities for the youth in our society - we just need to look around us!
Tell us what you think, do we need more for our youth? If so, what would really work in our towns?
Headlines
Royal visit in pictures: King Charles and Queen Camilla in Armagh
King Charles III and Queen Camilla greet the public in Armagh City
Young mum ‘appalled’ as drugs and needles found in area where children play
NI Water wins case against developer who illegally re-routed sewer mains in Co Armagh
‘Unusually young driver’ was 14-year-old caught behind wheel of telehandler
Dead piglet, nappies, 22 bags of rubbish and sectarian graffiti in The Birches
Spaces released for Aonach Mhacha’s sought-after summer Campa Mhacha
Man to appear in court after large amount of cannabis and cash found in car
From one-man operation to staff of 10 as award-winning kitchen firm celebrates 25 years
Katie Simpson murder and cover-up accused returned for trial
Hamiltonsbawn school to hold fundraising tea party as pupil battles brain tumour
Ticket giveaway
Congratulations to Thomas McCarten you are this weeks winner of a pair of cinema tickets! Contact the office on 02837 443 043 to arrange collection of your tickets
Look Back
Back in 2019, we reported on the opening of the YMCA’s a new state of the art youth facility in Portadown.
Following funding to the total of £1.4m from the Department of Education’s Voluntary Youth Capital Scheme, the new purpose built facility comprised of a main sports hall with viewing gallery, multipurpose rooms and social areas as well as meeting, arts and craft spaces and a large outdoor landscaped space.
Through the draft Children and Young People’s Strategy, the centre and others like it, sets its aim to empower children and young people and promote active citizenship.
Past issues
Bring Humpy the Camel back to city centre spot!
It's no Banksy - what has 'street art' got to say for itself?
Ah, graffiti artists – they're like the rock stars of the art world. At times creating bold and colourful compositions that are often intended to challenge authority or make an otherwise dull environment more visually appealing. It's not uncommon to see a tag or mural, so intricate that it looks like it was painted by a team of artists. How do they do…
Two decaying leisure centres added to long list of dereliction
I am sorry but it was not the " youths of Armagh " that assaulted these poor boys ,as you and other media outlets know ,why not call a spade a spade and say exactly who done it ,why is there a fear in saying who and what they are ,the more yous cover up for them ,the more power and confidence you give them to do it again ,I am not racist but if it had have been local lads involved in this disgusting crime they would have been named and shamed long ago. These gangs are roaming our streets, and a skateboard park etc will not change that because gangs are a part of the culture that they come from ,the law needs to come down hard and fast to show that this will not be tolerated in this country and if they cannot abide by the law then deport them back to their own country .
No but where is the P.S.N.I to patrol the streets and deal with these Bullies??????