Police warn teenagers to celebrate safely as GCSE exams come to an end - here's what you can do as a parent

As thousands of teenagers across the North East prepare to toast the end of their GCSEs, parents are being warned to ensure their children stay safe and celebrate sensibly.
Officers are warning young people finishing their GCSEs to take care with their celebration.Officers are warning young people finishing their GCSEs to take care with their celebration.
Officers are warning young people finishing their GCSEs to take care with their celebration.

Northumbria Police have issued a warning to pupils and their families to make sure any celebrations do not land them in hot water, as the force prepares for an increase in reports of youth disorder.

Officers are also encouraging parents to make sure they know where their children are during the end-of-exam festivities – and reminding shop owners that it is illegal to sell alcohol to under-18s. Some local businesses will also be visited by police as the force spreads the message.

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Additional patrols will be taking place in areas where disorder has previously been reported. Both plain-clothed and uniformed officers will take part.

Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton, the force’s lead for anti-social behaviour,  said: “We do anticipate groups of young people hanging around together in public places over the coming weeks and that can often lead to complaints from the local community.

“The overwhelming majority of young people are a credit to themselves and their local area, and I hope those who have now finished their exams enjoy themselves and the excitement that end-of-term brings.

“However, a minority of individuals can be drawn into anti-social behaviour and associated crimes, and I’d like to reiterate that this type of behaviour simply won’t be tolerated.”