Music news: Can classical music really stop youth crime in Liverpool?
An unconventional strategy in Liverpool shows classical music being broadcast from lampposts to deter anti-social behaviour among young people, sparking debate, with critics arguing that the move has gone too far.
Music News Blitz’s Maisie Sharp-Fehr shares her thoughts.
A new approach to tackling youth disorder
Imagine walking through Liverpool city centre at night, only to hear the lampposts above you echoing classical music.
Well, that might soon happen, as Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police have introduced this initiative in the Whitechapel district as a way to tackle youth disorder in the city centre.
In a survey conducted by the NHS, it was found that mental health conditions in 16 to 24-year-olds have risen by more than a third over the past decade. Overall, more than half of those affected are not receiving the help they need.
With this in mind, the initiative aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and youth violence, using it as a preventative measure rather than a punishment.
But is this really an effective way to prevent crime, or just an ethically complex plan weaponised against young people?
What is the strategy?
Speakers have been installed in key areas around Liverpool’s Whitechapel district as a tactic to disperse groups of young people.
Supported by Merseyside Police and the council, it has been described as “an effective tool” for “preventing anti-social behaviour”.
With rising concern about behaviour in the city centre, and Liverpool being globally recognised for its musical heritage, this initiative has emerged.
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Criticisms and ethical concerns
Following this, many musicians have criticised the initiative as a form of weaponising music.
In an interview with the BBC, Laura Macmillan, a conservatoire-trained violinist, stated: “It makes me feel really angry as a classical musician who, as someone from a working-class background, was made to feel I wasn't good enough to play that kind of music.”
This highlights how some view the initiative as reinforcing stereotypes that classical music is not for working-class or young people, further stigmatising them as a problem.
Some business owners have also expressed that they are wary of having to listen to the same four or five pieces on repeat.
Concerns have also been raised about how this may affect people who are sleeping rough.
Supporting the tactic
In response, Liverpool City Council have confirmed that the initiative was not intended to drive out homeless people.
But why classical music?
It has been pointed out that the council has been funding the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, which runs outreach projects aimed at improving the life chances of children by boosting well-being, skills, confidence, and resilience.
In an article with the BBC, a spokesperson from the council said: “The speakers are used on occasion as a tactic to disperse people from an area when there is anti-social behaviour and have proved successful in doing so.
“We are reviewing the time and frequency of their use in light of recent feedback we have received.”
This initiative represents a preventative measure rather than a punishment, one that aims to stop anti-social behaviour before it happens.
It stems from the theory of environmental control, where changing an atmosphere can influence behaviour.
This may help reassure businesses and visitors of a safer environment in Liverpool, which could, in turn, lead to economic benefits.
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Balance
Although the city is actively trying to take preventative measures against youth crime, questions have arisen about its ability to address the root issue.
Given that many people suffering from mental health conditions are not receiving the help they need, investing in deterrents like this may not be the most effective long-term solution.
