Anxieties about young people’s use of public space are closely connected to strategies aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB). In Scotland, legal measures were introduced through the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, which included police powers to disperse groups,
impose parenting and antisocial behaviour orders. Legal interventions affecting young people were received with caution in Scotland and, in comparison to the rest of the UK, their use has been limited. In 2009 the Scottish Government conducted a review of ASB policies, signalling an official move away from punitive measures, towards a more holistic approach which balances enforcement with prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation
