The violent behaviour of youth league players during a football match at the Mosta ground recently and the vandal acts at the Tal-Qroqq swimming complex changing rooms, allegedly committed by people in their early teens, are, of course, worrying. Though it would be wrong to generalise, such instances give rise to fears that society is failing in ensuring the young generation are exposed, as early as possible, to the real values in life so they could grow up to become honest and respected citizens.

Indeed, this has not been a good month for youth promotion in this country and the decision by teachers at the San Ġorġ Preca Senior School, in Ħamrun, labelled as the “ghetto”, not to give lessons if a particularly unruly student is present makes the need to review the overall situation more compelling.

At times, people resort to violence because of desperation or social issues. The effects of drugs and alcohol abuse can also lead an individual to act irrationally. Such kind of attitude is not good and far from beneficial in an adolescent’s character-building process.

It is, therefore, imperative to look deep into the matter and find out why some young people continue to act in this way and damage/destroy facilities meant to help them in their studies, practise their favourite sport or enjoy leisure time with friends in an ideal, friendly atmosphere.

Sports, in particular, plays an important role in young people’s character formation as they come to learn some very useful life lessons. Various studies have shown that taking up sport from a young age not only helps one stay physically fit but also be in a better position psychologically to achieve lifetime goals in personal and career development areas.

Yet, the message that emerged from the Mosta football ground violence and the national pool swimming complex damage risks putting off well-meaning young people to abandon sports altogether and seek other avenues to spend their free time, which may not always be a good idea.

Other off-putting issues are, of course, corruption and the use of illicit use of doping substances in sport. Corruption has suddenly become more widely discussed in this country – though nobody should be fooled into thinking this is a new phenomenon. Luckily, doping does not seem to be a serious threat… yet, though we are not immune. Many who practise sport complain of a serious lack of security during competitions and surveillance at many facilities is inappropriate.

Those responsible for youth matters must deal with these issues swiftly and efficiently. We must all do our utmost to keep youths away from the streets and the trouble that could ensue.

If things get out of hand, the young risk losing hope in sports careers very early in life and that could impact negatively on participation and numbers. More worrying, while idle they could engage in dangerous or illegal activities.

Still, one cannot overlook the sterling work done by the numerous youth centres/organisations and the professional entities, not least the National Sport School in Pembroke. This co-educational ‘centre of excellence’ is attended by students with a great potential in their chosen field of sport, hoping to become role models for others to follow.

The message of friendship, respect and collaboration is ingrained in the ideals of these independent and mostly non-profit organisations. The challenge is to find the most effective method of transmitting these principles and values to as many young people as possible. There is more than a healthy mind in a healthy body.

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