Anti-Social Behaviour

Types of Anti-Social Behaviour

Littering and Vandalism

• • What it is: Littering is when people throw rubbish on the ground instead of in a bin. Vandalism includes damaging or destroying property (such as destroying playground equipment), spraying graffiti on walls or breaking windows.
  • Why it matters: It makes places look messy and damage historical property. It can also be offensive and make people feel unsafe, unhappy and can have a negative effect of people's lives.

Noise Pollution

• • What it is: Making loud noises that disturb others, like playing music too loudly, shouting, or setting off fireworks at night.
  • Why it matters: It can disturb people who are trying to work, sleep, or relax and can be distressing for some people and animals. 

Bullying and Harassment

• • What it is: This includes being mean or hurtful to others repeatedly, either in person or online. It can involve physical actions, name-calling, spreading rumours, or making threats.
  • Why it matters: It can make people feel scared, sad, or lonely. It can make people unsafe and not want to leave their houses or socialise and poor mental health. 

Setting fires (Arson)

• • What is it: Arson is the act of setting fires on public or private property with the intent to damage or harm. Fires can also be set without the intent to harm, but this can be very dangerous for humans, animals and the environment. 
  • Why it matters: It makes these spaces less enjoyable and usable for everyone and can put lives in  danger and increase pressure on emergency services. 

Abusive Behaviour

• • What it is: Acting in a way that is abusive towards others, like fighting, shouting unkind things at people, threatening people, targeting groups of people (elderly, disabled etc), 'jumping' people and generally making people feel unsafe.
  • Why it matters: It can prevent people from enjoying their time, can have serious physical consequences, can make people feel unsafe in their communities. 

Vaping, Smoking & Anti-Social Drinking

• • What it is: Vaping, smoking (tobacco or drugs) and drinking alcohol is illegal under the age of 18. This can have numerous health effects on young bodies and can cause people to act irresponsibly and impulsively. 
  • Why it matters: It can have consequences for your health and safety and the health and safety of others around you if are acting irresponsibly and impulsively.

What to Do if You Experience or See Anti-Social Behaviour

1. Tell Someone You Trust: If you see someone behaving in an anti-social way, tell a parent, a friend, or another trusted person. They can help address the problem.
2. Be Respectful: Always treat others and public spaces with respect. Set a good example for your friends and don't take things too far.
3. Help Out: If you notice something broken or messy, report it so it can be fixed or cleaned up. Hartlepool can report here. Stockton can report here: Litter, Anti-Social Behaviour, Damage or Problem in a Park
4. Stay Calm: If someone is behaving disruptively, try to stay calm and avoid getting involved. Seek help from someone you trust instead.

How to Promote Positive Behaviour

Remember

• Anti-social behaviour affects everyone and makes our communities less enjoyable.
• Everyone can help by being respectful and considerate.
• Telling an trusted person about anti-social behaviour is important for keeping everyone safe and happy.
• Positive actions can inspire others to behave better.

By working together and showing respect for each other and our environment, we can help create a happier, safer, and more welcoming community for everyone.