Cool’s debate bus at Ballee High

The initiative sees the local students participate in a workshop with local police onboard the CoolFM bus.

The bus is divided into a number of interactive ‘stations’ each designed to engage the young person and provoke thought and debate around the issue of anti-social behaviour.

At the first phase, pupils are asked to listen to local police as they outline the possible consequences of anti-social behaviour both for the young person and for the community. Pupils then move on to script their own radio advertisement on the subject of anti-social behaviour before going on to record their ad.

Once completed the ads are Blue toothed to the pupils who can then share with their friends or upload to Twitter and Facebook spreading their message to a potentially global audience.

During phase two of the initiative a select number of pupils will be given the opportunity to spend the day at the state of the art Cool FM studios in Newtownards.

The lucky few will get the chance to record ads in the commercial studio and even script and record their very own radio show. As a memento of the day they will be able to take their recordings away on a special pen drive.

Constable Pauline Coates said: “Anti-social behaviour is one of those issues that raises it’s head time and time again. We know the impact it has on communities but we also know that many young people don’t.

“Often we find that some young people genuinely don’t believe they are doing anything wrong. That’s why it’s important for us to make them aware of their actions, of perceptions about teenagers and anti-social behaviour, and of the possible consequences for them of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.

This initiative between ourselves and Cool FM is unique in that instead of lecturing our young people and telling them ‘don’t do it’ we are sharing our experiences as police with them and then allowing them to express their views.

“Through their ads we’re able to see things from their side and explore ways of involving young people in finding long term solutions to ASB issues.”

 Jackie Ellis, Cool FM’s Media Bus Project Manager said “We are so pleased to facilitate this wonderful initiative alongside our police colleagues. The Cool FM bus presents a unique and neutral environment for young people and police to come together and exchange views but also to have fun.

“Scripting, recording and editing your own ad is an exciting process and one not many people have the chance to become involved with. I’m hopeful that the young people will take away with them all the practical information police have to offer and share the experience with their friends, building better relationships for the future”.