Youth are political footballs, say youth leaders

RADIO NEW ZEALAND: Some youth leaders fear young people are becoming scapegoats for political arguments in the lead up to the election.

In January, the National party leader John Key suggested army-style training for young offenders who commit serious crimes.

The Labour party then promised to keep students in some form of compulsory education until the age of 18.

But Sarah Helm from the organisation, Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development, says young people aren't the only ones committing crimes.

She says nobody is advocating army style training for other age groups.

 

You can hear more on this issue on Insight, available from Radio New Zealand by clicking here.