Understanding and Preventing Anti-Social Behaviour
- A Marsden
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
As children grow into teenagers, their behaviour naturally changes. They seek independence, test boundaries, and are more influenced by friends. But sometimes, this can lead to anti-social behaviour — actions that upset, disturb, or harm others, both in school and the wider community.
Anti-social behaviour can include things like verbal abuse, vandalism, threatening behaviour, intimidation, or deliberately disrupting the environment around them. It doesn’t always look extreme — sometimes, small behaviours build up and have a serious impact over time.
At Compass Education, we work with schools to help young people make positive choices, understand the consequences of their actions, and feel connected to their school and community.
Why Anti-Social Behaviour is a Concern
Anti-social behaviour isn’t just about school rules — it affects young people’s futures, confidence, and relationships. Left unchecked, it can lead to:
✔ Broken friendships and damaged reputations
✔ Increased conflict with staff, other students, or neighbours
✔ School sanctions, exclusions, or even police involvement
✔ Long-term impacts on confidence, mental health, and opportunities
For many teenagers, anti-social behaviour is a result of poor decision-making, peer pressure, or not understanding the consequences — but with the right support, they can turn things around.
How You Can Support Them
As a parent, your influence matters more than you might realise — even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
Here’s how to help your child make positive choices:
✔ Talk about respect and responsibility. Explain that everyone has a right to feel safe — in school, at home, and in the community. Their behaviour contributes to that.
✔ Discuss peer pressure openly. Many young people get drawn into poor behaviour to impress others. Encourage them to think for themselves and walk away if something feels wrong.
✔ Help them understand consequences. Explain how small choices — like shouting abuse or damaging property — can have big impacts, including police involvement or limiting future opportunities.
✔ Praise positive behaviour. Notice when they show kindness, responsibility, or self-control. This builds their confidence to keep making good choices.
✔ Be clear about boundaries. Set expectations at home about respect, language, and behaviour. Consistent boundaries help young people feel secure and understand what’s acceptable.
✔ Model positive community involvement. Show your child what it looks like to be part of a respectful, responsible community — whether that’s helping a neighbour, volunteering, or showing kindness to others.
Where to Find More Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s behaviour in school or the community, talk to their tutor, pastoral team, or local support services. Early help can prevent bigger problems.
Useful links:
Together, we can help young people make better choices, feel proud of their behaviour, and contribute positively to school and beyond.
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