POLICE and Belfast City Council last night said parents "really need to step up" and help warn their children about the dangers and consequences of getting involved in anti-social behaviour.
The joint appeal comes after two consecutive days of trouble involving young people in north Belfast.
Police came under attack by youths throwing bricks as they responded to anti-social behaviour in the New Lodge area on Monday night.
It also followed similar trouble in the area on Saturday night, during which a 14-year-old boy suffered head injuries in a sectarian attack.
Appealing for parents and guardians to help deal with anti-social behaviour, PSNI Superintendent Robert Murdie said the recent "disgraceful and dangerous actions of a small minority of young people must stop".
"Police, together with our Belfast City Council colleagues, local representative and youth workers are all working together to address this issue, but parents and guardians really need to step up," he said.
"Young people have every right to enjoy each other’s company, but parents and guardians must ensure they know where their young people are and what they are doing.
"The behaviour of some young people, is having a significant impact on the community and could result in a criminal record which will have a lasting impact on their future."
Mr Murdie added that police patrols will increase over the Easter period.
"Police, Belfast City Council, local representatives, community and youth workers are all working closely together to have dedicated resources available into the Easter period," he said.
"We are also visiting licensed premises across the city to ensure they are carrying out the necessary checks to prevent young people from purchasing alcohol."
Tommy Sandford, chair of Belfast City Council People and Communities Committee, said "tackling anti-social behaviour is not an easy task".
"There is already a huge amount of very positive work happening in our communities but we need to keep up that momentum," he said.
"We will continue to work with a range of partners to engage, support and inform local communities as to how they can report incidents of anti-social behaviour."
