I read today that Barnardo's has launched a new campaign to highlight what it calls "disturbing intolerance" of children. It appears we have created an unwelcoming society for children!

"As a society we have created a climate where children are made to feel unwelcome in public spaces and where we have become fearful of them on the streets" Barnados. The word "feral" is used to describe them in this report. That is very sad.

In their survey 88% (of 393 youngsters interviewed) said having more things to do and places to go might stop young people getting into trouble. 84% said young people get into trouble because of boredom". Barnados

The perception of teenagers is in my opinion misguided and ignorant but to me there is truth to the fact that there is little for them to do and that there are fewer and fewer opportunities outside of being an X factor star or a computer game hero. Families, local councils and communities all need to work together to improve this and more local outlets for sport and community centres to meet in a guided and creative way are key to this I believe.

I come across a lot of teenagers. Be it weekends in Chicksands, Aston Hill, Jump Guley or the local woods. They are all full of bright, eager and polite kids seeking to push be part of a community, working together and pushing their boundaries. They also put my riding skills to shame time and time. Interesting when you talk to so,e (not all) of the adults passing about how they perceive these kids then I find these attitudes not a shock but again sad.

I have a 17 year old and a 13 year old. I find their friends to be polite, respectful, hold open doors, care about the environment. These aren't all priviledged kids they are just kids from normal families. I hold no doubt that a large proportion of society on meeting them walking in large groups in the streets being noisy, laughing and shouting (being kids) would refer to them as intimidating and "feral" as in this survey. I find it despicable and shameful we have created such an unwelcoming society for what is a gift and our future. We hold a collective duty to our kids to guide them, focusing their energy in healthy pursuits.

I invite you to join the Barnados campaign and more to activeley challenge the attitude of any adult who does not treasure our future and views children as "feral".

"Most children are not troublesome. They attend school, take part in activities and many volunteer in their communities" Barnados

Click here for the campaign