Review of ‘Children Behaving Badly?’ by Barter, C. and Berridge, D. (eds)

Paylor, Ian (2011) Review of ‘Children Behaving Badly?’ by Barter, C. and Berridge, D. (eds). British Journal of Social Work, 41 (8). pp. 1607-1609. ISSN 0045-3102

Abstract

Ignore the title. This is not a children's version (in written form) of the popular TV series that showcased two male characters' arrested adolescence. The subtitle much more clearly describes what this book is about: Peer Violence between Children and Young People. Part of the NSPCC Wiley Series in Protecting Children, the book is divided into four parts, which provide a sensible logical progression through some quite divergent topics including nurseries, racist murders, knife crime, teenage partner violence, children in care and gangs. After a concise yet detailed, comprehensive introductory chapter written by the editors, Part One consists of five chapters addressing peer violence in different contexts. Part Two is made up of four chapters that look at different forms of peer violence; Part Three consists of three chapters that offer an in-depth critical understanding of peer violence;