Yob Nation

Yob culture seems to be a very British phenomenon - but can we really address it by ‘hugging a hoodie’, as David Cameron has suggested? Is being a yob a behavioural problem that can be treated with drugs? Should we rethink education and recreational strategies? Or is it just a teenage phase?

Studies have suggested that Britain’s teenagers are the worst behaved in Europe, and with the recent spate of stabbings and shootings across the UK, it seems that the problem is getting worse. Many people feel unable to stand up to young offenders for fear of retaliation.

So what’s the solution? What makes teenagers offend in the first place? Do psychiatric disorders in childhood lead to bad behaviour later on? Some studies have suggested that allowing young people to channel their energy into activities such as outdoor sports can help them release their aggression. Other people believe that some young offenders should be prescribed drugs to help deal with their behavioural problems, but this is still a very controversial way of addressing the problem.

Join us at the Dana Centre to discuss this very topical issue. You’ll hear from experts and see a performance of a short piece of drama about yob culture. And you’ll get the chance to voice your own opinions.

Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the Institute of Psychiatry

Speakers

Kathy Charles, Napier University, Edinburgh
Adam Deacon, actor
Barbara Maughan, Institute of Psychiatry
Ilina Singh, London School of Economics

Chairman:
Mark Stevenson