Thread: Groups of Teenagers at the mall

I know it isn’t far to the teenagers but I get really frightened passing groups of them. It doesn’t just happen at the mall, but it happened to me at the train station yesterday. One of the young guys actually opened the door for me as I was pulling my suitcase. Does anyone else get frightened like me?

Teens like to congregate in groups and I know that they are likely harmless but still sometimes I get nervous too. I knew a 70 year old woman who was knocked down and had her purse taken by a 10 year old boy. If a lone 10 year old boy can do this then you're not wrong to be wary of teens.

I'm afraid that young people have had a pretty bad press nowadays and that's not always deserved. I have always looked pretty rough and people were wary of me as a teenager but I don't even kill spiders and insects!

Meanmachine, it's not that you shouldn't give young people a chance, but you should not do so at your own expense. If a situation looks dangerous to you, then you should be careful. Your own personal safety is the most important thing. Much more important than hurting the feelings of someone else.

You're right to be wary of teenagers, especially big groups of them if you live in a somewhat bad neighborhood that has records of theft and assault. If not, just be mindful of walking with other people if you spy anyone in the mall that seems suspicious. I'm not too frightened of malls because there's no way for you to be closed in my big groups all by yourself. There are plenty of other people shopping and heading the same way you are.

Most teenagers actually have respect for their elders. The only ones that would bother an old person would be those in a gang, and those you can see right away!

Teenagers today are really different from teenagers decades ago - in terms of how they act and think. But I want to believe that there are still teenagers out there who sincerely abide by their parents' rules and emulate the values that they are taught at home and in school, and would not intentionally hurt or take advantage of other people.

Originally Posted by Beat'EmUp

Most teenagers actually have respect for their elders. The only ones that would bother an old person would be those in a gang, and those you can see right away!

I agree! Teenagers in general have more consideration for others (especially the elders), than what the media would have want us to believe. I think the wariness with them stems from the fact that what we usually see on the news and read on the papers about them, are mostly crime related.

Most kids are good kids, and are really not out to cause any harm. Sometimes they enjoy each other's company and set up regular meeting places. It may seem intimidating when they are in large groups, but usually they are quite harmless.