EDUCATION researchers have discovered the ''Kevin the Teenager effect'' is alive and well and living in Scotland's disaffected youth.
The apathetic attitude, made famous by the Harry Enfield character who found everything ''too boring'', is the reason why so many young people prefer to hang around street corners with their friends rather than take part in sports or organised activities.
A survey of 1500 secondary school pupils in Clackmannanshire by the local council's Dialogue Youth Unit suggested young people dismissed clubs as ''boring'' and that an increase in the number of activities available would do little to cure Scotland's antisocial behaviour problem.
The researchers said the study proved children aged between 12 and 15 would not be persuaded to turn their backs on the street because of more leisure facilities.
The report, which will be presented to the council next week, is part of a project aimed at reducing levels of vandalism, violence and under-age drinking among children.
Mary Fox, Dialogue Youth Unit co-ordinator, said: ''Organised activities appear to have little attraction for a substantial proportion of our young people.
''While this does not argue for doing nothing, nor for playing down the importance of making opportunities available for those who do wish to participate, it does caution against assumptions that offering increased levels of activity will have a significant impact.''
The survey found almost half the children interviewed, 46%, actually wanted to wander the streets with their friends. As few as 10% went to a youth club and most looked down their noses at organised activities, claiming that if their friends did not go then neither would they.
Traditional youth organisations, such as the guides and the scouts, were dismissed because they were regarded as old-fashioned. Computer clubs, church groups, youth zones and political groups were also seen as the social kiss of death.
There was little enthusiasm for politics - indeed, for political action of any kind - and only one in five wanted to make their voices heard to improve their quality of life or to be involved in any form of decision making.
However, the survey was not completely negative. One in five pupils at the council's three secondary schools and nearest Roman Catholic school in Stirling, called for more sport and only marginally fewer wanted more music and drama.
Similar numbers expressed support for part-time work, and youth clubs.
Also promising was that most of those interviewed wished to see a drop in vandalism and crime and improvements to personal safety.
Other issues the pupils were concerned about included smoking, drinking, bullying, safer sex, rights and drugs.
Ms Fox added: ''Young people do not like to see things being damaged. They are concerned about things like gangs and personal safety. The majority of victims of youth crime are young people themselves.''
In Clackmannan, 75% of young people said vandalism was their prime concern while in other areas bullying was reported by 49% of pupils.
The survey was carried out between June and August this year. The council also has set up a youth focus group on sports development and youth workers are out on the streets offering guidance to teenagers.
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