Fear of Teenage groups?

[pixie_woo]

Is anyone else fed up of feeling intimated by groups of "yoofs"?
Walking home from work the other day I had a cushion kicked at me, I know it couldn't have hurt me but that is not the point. I turned around and said "children, please!" and continued walking. When I told the hubby he went mad and said I shouldn't antagonise them!

[daisy48]

I blame the parent's mostly. We have yobs as young as 9 upwards who collect outside the phone box sometimes up to 2-3am! We've all petitioned for the phone box to be removed as its used just for drug dealing. The police's hands are tied,they arrest the gangs if trouble flares but they're let out the next day so whats the point? Where we live used to be lovely with a nice park opposite,parents won't take their toddler's there anymore due to all the used syringes,used condoms etc. If we move how do we know its going to be any different? Seem everywhere is affected nowadays!

[growlybear]

I know its a bit late to answer this question but if kids were given more praise than brickbats, they'd behave differently. ie its good you have your friends to hang a round with, that you all have fun together - even at someone else's expense. Its harmless. Even the egg throwing. Yes its a bit of a ******, but hey cool it and they might actually stop.

Yoofs as a whole are not the problem as yoof clubs are not the answer - too many do-gooders. I'd be off as well. Its not seen as cool thing to be there.

Bring back the funding for youth schemes and junior internet cafes. Ours closed down due to local goverment funding running out so now our teens really have nothing to do again. Sports clubs are too expensive and not everyone wants to be a guide or in the BB, so they're hanging about the corners and parks again.

Strangely our local council spends quite a lot making sure teens with mental health probs are given internet access, days out and plenty of things to do. The 'normal' kids who are losing out.

PS. I have had no trouble passing groups of lads. I walk steadily and with purpose. No show of worry and no show of aggression. If eye contact is made, I'll give a wee nod in their direction. No worries. I leave them to their shuffling and they leave me alone.