Often youngsters make headlines for all the wrong reasons

YOUNGEDINBURGH AWARDS

IN an age when it has become all too easy to demonise and stigmatise teenagers for the actions of a few, too little attention is paid to the contribution that many youngsters make to society. Although many are still below the age where they are deemed responsible for their own actions some already assume responsibilities and take on challenges at which many adults would balk. Last night's Youngedinburgh Awards, which the Evening News was proud once again to sponsor, showcased all that is good about young people in our city.

The evening was rightly about achievement, not only personal but a wider recognition of the good work teenagers do in our communities much of which, with the exception of events like this, goes unheralded.

Sadly all too often youngsters make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, be it through antisocial behaviour or experimentation with drink and drugs. This has resulted in a wrongly-held perception among large sections of the adult population that most young people spell trouble, when the reality could not be further from the truth.

Only a tiny minority match the stereotype of being persistent troublemakers. Police in Edinburgh estimate that nine such persistent offenders are responsible for over 1000 crimes. But just as a handful of football casuals are capable of blackening the name of a football club and its decent supporters a few black sheep are enough to tarnish the image of all teenagers - and even those that represent good and decency generally suffer along with the rest.

There is little doubt that Inverleith Park was the wrong location to site a major skatepark, when the city has acres of brownfield land at is disposal. But would the local opposition to the proposal have been quite so vociferous had the intention been to create an outdoor bowls centre, for more mature elements of the population, rather than groups of teenagers dressed in sweat shirts and jeans?

At the beginning of the year Jack McConnell in his New Year message said his priority was to help all young people reach their full potential. That will not be easy as many have serious social disadvantages. But clearly from the evidence of last night many youngsters, from diverse backgrounds, already share a common desire to help not only themselves but others. All of the 1600 nominees and winners showed they have the qualities and potential to help make this city a better place.

BLOOD DONATIONS

It could be the best gift you could give someone

IT is sad to see a steady decline in the numbers giving blood when the very act of donating has the potential to save a life.

The numbers who regularly donate is at an all time low since the Blood Transfusion Service started keeping records over 20 years ago. While the situation is not yet critical it may become so over the next month or so with the traditional tailing off of the numbers who donate over the festive season. So why not sign up as a donor? It could be the best gift you could give someone this Christmas.

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