How Europe treats its youngsters' anti-social behaviour

FRANCE

Despite a serious problem with juvenile delinquency - made obvious during the riots in the suburbs in November - there is no French equivalent to Asbos. But the issue has been much discussed since the two-week firestorm in which thousands of cars were burnt and France's deprived and crime-ridden underbelly was exposed to the world. The riots, led by young people, most of whom were educational failures, unemployed or from fatherless homes, gave rise to deep concern that the French Republic and educational model was crumbling. As in the UK, France has special courts for underage offenders.

GERMANY

Germany does not employ the use of any measures equivalent to Asbos. Such measures are simply not viewed as necessary in a country where adolescent "yob" culture is not a significant issue. Youth violence is confined mostly to neo-Nazi skinheads, immigrant gangs and football hooligans, while alcohol or drug-induced street violence or unruly behaviour is rare. Most pubs have organised their own licensing hours for decades. German police forces employ officers who specialise in the problem but they do not operate police units whose task it is to tackle youth crime. Youth courts deal with offenders under 18. Germany operates prisons for young offenders.

IRELAND

Asbos are soon to be made law in Dublin and are part of legislation making its way through the national parliament. The greatest problem in terms of "yob" culture is viewed as coming from alcohol-related offences, and official efforts are now being concentrated on managing drinking practices. The authorities are also working on alternative strategies to the imprisonment of minors. Asbos are included in the list of options.

SPAIN

Youth misbehaviour has mounted in Spain in recent years, prompting the government to tighten the existing Criminal Responsibility of Minors Law to deal with specific offences. Minors can now be sentenced to youth internment centres for violent or sexual crimes and for non-violent crimes. Sentences for violence have been toughened. Other sanctions for non- violent crimes include supervised freedom, attending courses or community work. All this is enforced within a framework of juvenile courts.