Anti-social behaviour is now the biggest problem facing society. It is so prevalent that we shouldn't be surprised that it has utilised new technology.

Young people are particularly prone to the so called "happy slapping" which involves capturing the humiliation of victims on mobile phone cameras and then circulating the footage.

The recent squirting of Tom Cruise by a C4 film crew was nothing more than an extension of this loathsome practice and I hope the authorities clamp down severely, not only on the crew but also the senior management who sanctioned such a moronic stunt.

If we are to seriously tackle anti-social behaviour then we have to send a clear message out that such offending will not be tolerated. Otherwise, the problem will worsen until you become powerless to tackle it.

Those who doubt this should reflect on how happy slapping started with targets being squirted with water or slapped, but now we hear stories of phone cameras being used to record people being viciously mugged by gangs or even raped.

In the run up to the General Election, we heard a great deal from all sides about their determination to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

Now it is time for Tony Blair to turn his words into action.

To do that the Government must not only lay down the law to adults, but also ensure that young people know the difference between right and wrong so that future generations do not think that the anti-social behaviour we see today is acceptable.

If an adult refuses to respect the rules of society than it is right that they are brought before the courts and punished. But if someone under the age of 18 proves to be a repeated menace to society then others must accept some of the blame. They must accept responsibility for their actions and face the consequences.

The Dangerous Dog Act was rushed through following a handful of incidents. Well, we have in this country a minority of young people whose behaviour is far worse than any dog.

If a dog fouls the pavement and it is not cleared up, the owner is liable to prosecution. If a dog terrorises members of the public it is taken off the street and, again, the owner faces prosecution.

So why is it that we allow certain teenagers to act with impunity, fouling our streets not just with urine, but with litter, graffiti, vandalism? Why do we allow young tearaways to terrorise the law-abiding public with their threats, intimidation and abuse?

Public services such as the police, schools and local authorities must take the problem of anti-social behaviour seriously, but it is also time that parents are held responsible for the actions of their children.

If a child under 18 appears in court for an ASBO hearing perhaps the parents should be alongside them. It should be a joint undertaking, the child and his or her guarantor. If the child breaches the ASBO then the parent should also be punished - with prison if the court deems it necessary.

The feral yobs who bring fear to our communities come from all walks of life so let's not hear any rubbish about this being an attack on one parent families or society's deprived kids.

We have had enough hot air on the subject, what is needed is meaningful action and I intend to raise this with the Government at every opportunity.

Published: 24/06/2005