A study of primary school children in a Dublin suburb has found that children as young as 10 are affected by antisocial behaviour.
The study of 140 fifth-class children from the Fettercairn, Brookfield, Killinarden and Jobstown areas reveals they are aware of people's windows being broken and eggs thrown at houses for fun.
They talk of their dislike of gangs of youths hanging around public areas, smoking, drinking, drug taking and, in certain cases, the bullying of younger children.
They are also aware of their parents' concerns for their safety and say many parents are taking every possible precaution to ensure they are safe and not getting in "with the wrong crowd".
The results of the study by the Tallaght West Childhood Development Initiative, a coalition of groups in the area, will be unveiled by Minister of State with responsibility for children Brian Lenihan later today.
