There are concerns Facebook posts about anti-social behaviour in a South Gloucestershire neighbourhood are “demonising young people”.
It comes as a group of local organisations in Bradley Stoke have formed a working group to deal with community concerns following a recent spike in anti-social behaviour.
The group, which is formed of Avon and Somerset police, Bradley Stoke Town Council, Bradley Stoke Community School, Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, Willow Brook Centre and other agencies, first met in May after a number of incidents had been reported.
Police and youth workers have already been working in the area to deliver assemblies on the dangers of carrying knives as well as challenging risky behaviour.
Figures show there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in Bradley Stoke in recent months as well as other areas in South Gloucestershire.
But the group has raised concerns over some comments on social media - particularly Facebook groups - in recent weeks regarding the levels of anti-social behaviour in the area.
Posting on Bradley Stoke Matters a spokesperson for the group said it did not reflect the level of reported cases and have “created a perception the issue is far worse than it is”.
They added: “Whilst levels of anti-social behaviour in Bradley Stoke are generally low, they do fluctuate and occasionally there is an increase which causes understandable concern and frustration.
“Where anti-social and risk-taking behaviour is occurring, it has been found recently to be across a range of ages and has the involvement of young people from a whole range of different backgrounds.
“But hype on social media is, in effect, demonising young people in Bradley Stoke and painting them all with the same brush.”
The group has said the problems are being caused by “a relatively small group of young people” who have a “general lack of respect towards adults”.
During the first meeting the group agreed a set of main concerns which it seeks to address over the coming months.
As well as comments on social media, concerns included availability of drugs to young people in the area and a lack of parental awareness of where their children are and what they are doing.
To help tackle the issue Bradley stoke residents are being asked to report all incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour to police and to engage with local agencies about their concerns.
They are also encouraging people to attend a community event at the Willow Brook Centre on Wednesday, July 10, between 3.30pm and 7pm.
The event will include stands from several agencies who work with and support young people as well as those who deal with anti-social behaviour when it arises.
