Independent Working Group on Antisocial Behaviour: review report

Limitations

This report does not set out to be the definitive word on antisocial behaviour in Scotland. The Independent Working Group was limited in timescales - from January to December 2024 - and in our geographical coverage. The report includes information from a Scottish context and while we have made reference to what is happening in other parts of the UK, direct comparison and detailed descriptions were out of our scope. While we attempted to take evidence and include individuals and groups most affected by antisocial behaviour - we were unable to speak directly to young people and to people in communities most affected. This is a gap that we hope will be filled in the next round of work.

Due to the size and complexity of the issue, this report also does not specifically address the role of social media in antisocial behaviour. However, we recognise the significant role it now plays in shaping and amplifying antisocial behaviour, underscoring the need for further dedicated exploration of this critical area beyond the capacity of this report.

Another area outwith this report is education, which was not part of the remit of this Group, as this is being addressed by other working groups.

We have reported on what we heard and saw. Inevitably there will be issues not covered in this report but this reflects the information and evidence we were able to access.