GROWING up is not a crime. That, in essence, is the message from Superintendent Gary Barnett tonight.

York's police chief is concerned by the number of times his officers are called out to deal with "nuisance youths". An audit of calls from the public revealed that only two per cent related to substantive crimes.

The older and younger generations have always regarded each other with mutual suspicion. But the gulf appears to be widening.

Research has shown that fear of crime is out of proportion with crime itself. Sadly society's mistrust of its young people is also exaggerated.

Juvenile crime has undeniably increased in recent years. Public concern led to the Government to introduce tough measures. The Evening Press has reported on the swifter justice being delivered in York youth courts, and the issuing of anti-social behaviour orders against tearaway teenagers.

It is right that we highlight these court cases, but we must keep them in perspective. Most young people remain law-abiding citizens.

Unfortunately, however, they are too rarely given the benefit of the doubt. A large group of boisterous teenagers gathered on a street corner can be intimidating to residents and passers-by, especially at night. Yet it is far more likely that they are socialising with their friends than planning any mischief.

We should afford these young people the same respect as we would any other group. To keep asking police to intervene needlessly only increases their sense of alienation.

Providing more for young people to do may help to ease tensions. Supt Barnett highlights the potential skateboarding park at Foss Bank as a positive development. But it is notoriously difficult to create facilities that are genuinely popular with this age group.

There is no magic solution. Parents must strive to instil in their children a respect for others. But we must reciprocate by respecting and tolerating their rights and needs.