YOUTH offending and crime are problems but the way to tackle them is not necessarily straightforward.

Some young people perhaps go down that path because they maybe feel like they do not have anything to do or lose as they may not have developed a sense of direction in life.

Working with the Youth Commission last year, my particular focus was on reducing offending and reoffending among young people.

We spoke to loads of young people across Sussex and many said they did not have enough to do.

Lots of people also said they were not aware of the consequences of a criminal record could potentially have on their future.

I think the solution will be more than just giving young people more to do, but lies in giving young people a sense of direction and something to focus on for their future that goes further than education alone.

Essentially developing an inner sense of self-worth. Where do you want to be?

Where do you see yourselves?

I grew up in Hackney (East London) and while at first I might have just been doing things with my friends, I grew out of it and knew what I wanted to be and do with myself.

But there is also a lot going on both for and run by young people.

There was the Brighton Youth Arts Festival last week and Digital Democracy and the Youth Parliament, trying to get people involved.

Hopefully more young people will start to get engaged in politics to help shape the policies that affect them.

Chiz Nwaosu, 21, is a member of the Youth Commission Independent Advisory Group, set up by the Police Commissioner Katy Bourne.