Young people are being demonised by the national press, says East Cambs and Fenland s Member of Youth Parliament Joshua Oddi. Elected in February this year, Joshua, 14, is anti-ASBOs and wants to get the word yob banned from all newspapers. It s a co

Young people are being demonised by the national press, says East Cambs and Fenland's Member of Youth Parliament Joshua Oddi.

Elected in February this year, Joshua, 14, is anti-ASBOs and wants to get the word 'yob' banned from all newspapers.

"It's a common misconception that ASBOs are only given out to young people. I think it should be less about banning and more about rehabilitation. Instead of dishing out ASBOs, give them something to do."

As the Ely Standard reported last week, Joshua is part of the campaign to raise £500,000 for youth services in Witchford.

"Local papers are good at covering young people's events and primary school stuff, says Josh, but teenagers often miss out. I joined the youth parliament because I was always complaining about things and wanted to stop sitting around and start doing something."

Joshua is also campaigning to get transport fares lowered for young people as Chairman of the Transport Action Group.

He plans to meet with local bus companies Stagecoach and Go Whippet and will try to get bus drivers to improve their attitudes to young people along the way.

And as if he doesn't already have enough on his plate, Joshua is part of the Democracy Development Campaign, which aims to have effective school councils for every educational establishment across Cambridgeshire by the end of 2007.

Josh is hoping to be re-elected to Youth Parliament next February and was one of its youngest members when he joined three years ago.

If you have a comment, complaint or would like to promote your youth organisation, get in touch with Joshua on email.

He's very well-connected too, with access to chiefs of youth services and MPs.

INFO: Email Joshua at: josh.oddi@ukypcambs.org