How would you have dealt with the situation....

[MustangLady]

The other day my brother was taking his 2 children to the local park, where there were other young toddlers /children playing on the swings etc. Also in the park were a group of about 20 teenagers (he said between 14-17yrs old), most of which were 'playing' with fireworks, letting them off amongst themselves. But there were a few they lit up and let go in the middle of the playing field, some of which strayed close to the playing toddlers, whereby the toddlers started to cry and scream as they became scared. The parents of the other toddlers said nothing but instead moaned amongst themselves, then picked up their kids and took them home. My brother however, felt quite peeved about the distruption to his afternoon out with his kids and the irresponsible behaviour of the teenagers. But he didn't know how to deal with the situation... he felt if he'd approached the teenagers he would have got a lot of abuse back. What he did do is take a few photos of the culprits as proof who were involved (which unfortunately didn't show them clear enough) . His intention was to take the photos the local school, where they undoubtly attended, in the hope the school would take action against those involved as an example to others. He did also phone 999 for police, whereupon he was asked what the problem was, when he explained a group of about 20 teenagers playing with fireworks and possible accident waiting to happen, he was told that it would be dealt with shortly. He waited 45 mins close by the area (his wife had taken his children home) but not one police car came near or by the area. By which time the teenagers had dispersed and thankfully no-one was hurt this time! My brother felt very angry that the police didn't bother to turn up ... this incident could have been a nasty accident waiting to happen? How would you have dealt with the situation? What would have done in this case?

[sara3]

no one should confront a gang of 20 obnoxious kids. I know it needs doing, but it's just too risky.

the police should have attended though.. maybe they were too scared, too!

[MustangLady]

funny you should say that about the police, my brother did say that when he mentioned to the radio controller there were 20 teenagers, the person reacted by 'Oh, 20 you say, oh ok, we'll get someone there as soon as possible'.... mmmmm yes I'd say they were scared too.

[dot.hawkes]

we have a local patrol at around this time sent out by the local authority, they are supposed to stop kids messing in public places with fireworks, the local council may have one where he is, they use the police as back up, it is a good system that works well but all they can do is move the kids on

[MustangLady]

Hi Dot.. Yeah, i realise there's not a lot the authorities can do but move the kids on... unfortunately there is not much respect from kids these day, that is not generalising all kids mind, some are good, but majority do not care who they have a go back at. But it is more likely to happen when they are in groups, as they most often want to look 'big' infront of their mates. Thats one reason why my brother did not attempt to confront them. Secondly, he felt if he'd had a go at them himself, he'd have been the one penalised by the police if it'd got out of hand. It's always the 'good samaritans' that get punished or hurt these days, hear of it too often.

[annie0000]

Without being there, it is difficult to judge the mood within the group of teenagers, but I have in past spoken to teenagers in the park when they have been disturbing younger kids, but I think it absolutely depends on the situation and also the way that you speak to them.

Your best bet is to identify the leader and say, in a polite way "guys, the little ones are getting frightened, is there any way that you can move over to the other side of the park? It would be much appreciated". After seeing them "wrap" the swings, I have politely asked if one of them could do me a favour and turn the swing back so that my little boy could have turn on it" - I have only ever been met with politeness in return, but there have been other occasions when I have looked at the group and thought it better just to leave well alone. It is fairly typical for the police to turn up after the event or not at all - less paperwork I guess.

[B00]

Whilst not the same, I too had a similar experience on our local park the other week when I took Mini Boo there. local kids, of say 17/18 were generally running amok whilst mum with toddlers were huddled miserably under a tree not being able to use the swings and slides etc.

Me, being gob almighty that i am- aproached them, and pointed out, politely and civilly that the smaller kids were too scared to play because of them.

Know what? These so called hard nuts, were mortified that they were scaring kids, apologised and left the park. I was really surpised and fully expected some abuse from them.

Just goes to show really.

[Doc.Spock.1]

I used to throw bangers as a lad.


Don't forget, to-days fireworks are tame in comparison.

[Doc.Spock.1]

Gob-almighty, you Boo, never.

[B00]

annie's reply wasn't there when I typed mine..lol

not saying he was right or wrong, but maybe if your brother had approached these teens he's have met with the same response we did MustangLady?

[B00]

Shut it doc

;-)

[MustangLady]

Vibrasphere, I actually think the 'could haves' in this instance did warrant police or authority presence, this is my opinion anyway. The teenagers were causing a public disturbance and being irresponsible, it needed for the 'offending' fireworks taken away from them. I'd rather action be taken before one of them or a toddler had got hurt, when it would have been said, if only something had been done before! It's just luck that no-one got hurt. I don't begrudge a group of teenagers being together in the park, I was one once and wondered about parks and streets myself. But I was not playing with fireworks and being irresponsible.

To everyone else; My brother had a bad experience with a load of teenagers before, he did politly ask them to move away from outside his house where they were being loud & rude about 10pm, his kids were in bed and were being kept awake. All he got in return was abuse, they got louder and kept coming back for a few nights .. he felt helpless! What are you suppose to do! In the park he didn't want the same repercussion infront of his own children. He did what he felt appropriate at the time, but wondered if there was another action he should have taken.