Rock Ferry High pupils go on camera to beat anti-social behaviour

Nov 11 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Rock Ferry High pupils go on camera to beat anti-social behaviour

A BIG Brother-style video diary room visited Rock Ferry High School to collect views on anti-social behaviour.

Teenagers were asked to record their fears and frustrations on camera for the Merseyside Police initiative.

Everyone taking part was shown a hard-hitting video about the consequences of anti-social behaviour and challenged to make their own short film.

The mobile diary room has already visited Alsop School in Walton and St Cuthbert’s College in St Helens.

PC Joanne Herr, safer schools police officer for Rock Ferry, said: “All the kids thoroughly enjoyed it and far more got involved than we expected, which shows how passionate young people are about being able to share their views.

“They were queuing to get into the diary room and loved sitting in the giant diary room chair in front of the massive plasma screen.

“By making it fun for the kids we were able to get some important safety messages across to them about the dangers of drinking and getting involved in trouble, especially at this time of year, and also listen to what they had to say and what worried them.

“The majority of young people don’t like seeing gangs drinking on street corners and can be affected by anti-social behaviour just like adults are.

“By encouraging them to share their views, we can build up a picture of what the issues are and how we can work with young people to tackle them."

The winning video will be broadcast on the Merseyside Police website and YouTube. The successful school win win a video camera and £250.

Peter Bennett, headteacher at Rock Ferry High School, said: “We were delighted to host the police’s Big Brother-style initiative.

“Ofsted described behaviour at Rock Ferry as “excellent” and the school welcomes the support of the police in maintaining those high standards.”