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COMMENT: Not all teens with hoodies are criminals
The idea that teenagers wear hooded tops just to keep their ears warm and yearn for nothing more than a comforting cup of hot chocolate on a dark night will come as a surprise to many - especially those who avoid Worcestershire's parks at night for fear of being set upon by hordes of yobs.
But as our reporter Alicia Kelly discovered when she took her life into her hands and ventured into Droitwich's Lido park, the reality is somewhat different.
The teenagers she encountered were typical youngsters who just wanted a safe place to hang out
with their mates.
Of course, it isn't always like that. Young people do get into trouble, and many do commit acts that are thoughtless, inconsiderate and, to use the current buzzword, anti-social. Litter, graffiti and vandalism are all problems in our parks and public spaces, and it's fair to say that teenagers are responsible for a disproportionate amount of bad behaviour - especially if they get access to alcohol.
It's also true that what your average noisy, boisterous teenager regards as a bit of harmless high jinks can come across as threatening and disturbing to others.
But we must remember that most teenagers are not criminals. And despite the tabloid headlines, the kind of horrific drunken violence that resulted in teenagers kicking father-of-two Garry Newlove to death last year is mercifully rare.
So don't dismiss everyone under 20 as a yob. And don't let fear of teenagers keep you out of Worcestershire's parks, either.
7:48am Friday 28th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Darrenm, Worcester on 6:45pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Dont be fooled - these people should be banned from public places and placed under a curfew, so honest, hard working decent people are free to walk the streets at night again.
Dont be fooled - these people should be banned from public places and placed under a curfew, so honest, hard working decent people are free to walk the streets at night again.
Posted by: truthteller, worcester on 9:14pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Hear Hear!!
Posted by: iceman77, Lower Broadheath on 8:17pm Sat 29 Mar 08
placing these "people" as you call them under a curfew will further alienate them from society. we need to integrate them into society. they are our children out there. how would you feel if someone was saying it about your flesh and blood.
we need to encourage our local and national governments to fund facilities that can be used by these youngsters. if we give them a purpose and meaning in life, something to do with their time. maybe they might not then be so eager to use drugs and alcohol. parents should be encouraged to spend more interest in their offspring. And we need to start at an earlier age as well so that our 5,6 and 7 year olds dont become the outlaws and outcasts of the future.
placing these "people" as you call them under a curfew will further alienate them from society. we need to integrate them into society. they are our children out there. how would you feel if someone was saying it about your flesh and blood.
we need to encourage our local and national governments to fund facilities that can be used by these youngsters. if we give them a purpose and meaning in life, something to do with their time. maybe they might not then be so eager to use drugs and alcohol. parents should be encouraged to spend more interest in their offspring. And we need to start at an earlier age as well so that our 5,6 and 7 year olds dont become the outlaws and outcasts of the future.
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