Nursery World - It's only human

Both nature and nurture are at work when children re-enact key stages in the evolution of our species, says Philip Waters, in the latest article in his series on play types. I find it very alarming on reading a newspaper to see that yet another child or young person is being presented with an anti-social behaviour order simply for hanging about on the streets. These types of stories are increasing in ferocity, but little regard is being given as to why children and young people engage in 'gang' type behaviour.

I find it very alarming on reading a newspaper to see that yet another child or young person is being presented with an anti-social behaviour order simply for hanging about on the streets. These types of stories are increasing in ferocity, but little regard is being given as to why children and young people engage in 'gang' type behaviour.

Children and young people are in a sense compelled to come together with their peers, it's a sort of internal drive which makes them seek the company of other like-minded individuals and presents itself largely when they become a teenager. The location, in many cases a street, is relatively unimportant as some young people may channel their instinctual drives to join a club or similar focal point. What is important, however, is that we recognise and respect this drive as a natural and sequential part of children and young people's development.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included