Dear Yanchep News Online,
ONE of the things residents contact the Two Rocks Yanchep Residents Association about is graffiti and what is happening to prevent it.
Two Rocks Yanchep Residents Association (TRYRA) has put together some information for parents and what they need to know.
Warning signs that your child could be involved with graffiti include possession of spray paint cans or other types of paint and excessive quantities of big permanent marker pens.
Other signs include paint on their hands and clothing, photos of graffiti on their mobile phones and social media.
Practising the same type of scribble or tags on paper continuously and tags or the same type of scribble on their bag or books are also signs they might be involved with graffiti.
If you suspect your child is doing graffiti vandalism discuss your concerns with your child, remembering that there may be other issues that are causing them to graffiti.
Explain that graffiti is an illegal activity and let them know what the consequences are and
Make sure you know where your child is and who they are with.
The penalties for graffiti vandalism for a juvenile – under 18 years – include a police caution or referral to a juvenile justice team or children’s court, restitution for damage costs and/or juvenile detention.
For adults – 18 years and older – up to two years imprisonment and/or up to $24,000 in fines.
Involvement with the courts may also prohibit a person from getting a job or being able to travel to other countries later in life.
This information was obtained from the graffiti vandalism is illegal pamphlet put out by goodbye graffiti w.a. which is now no longer available but TRYRA has received a quantity of the brochures as the information is still valid.
For children with issues that are causing them to graffiti the WA Police consequences of graffiti vandalism link includes information about Lifeline offering counselling and other support services that are available in communities around Australia.
Call 13 11 14(link sends email) or visit their website.
Kids Helpline Australia’s only free, private and confidential, 24/7 telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Call 1800 55 1800(link sends email) or visit their website.
Secretary
TRYRA
