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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect teenagers to act like teenagers?

15 replies

Snowfire · 13/05/2012 17:31

I was out on my run this morning which takes me out in the countryside and I cross a stream on the way back.
As I was approaching the stream I could hear a lot of shouting and raucous behaviour, this is usually a quiet place so very unusual so my mind starts ticking as to the scenario ahead... Would there be a gang drinking/ taking drugs?would there be a fight going on? We're they torturing some helpless small child/puppy/kitten?
As I got to the point where I could see them there were 7 boys aged around 15 dressed in oversized jeans and hoodies (no sign of a torture victim) on or around the bridge which I needed to cross. I expected at least some verbal abuse (plump woman running) but they all moved out of my way! As I passed one apologised for being slightly in my way and another wished me a good morning!!
As I got a little further away I looked back as they had resumed the raucous behaviour and saw that they were throwing rocks into the stream to see who could make the biggest splash!
Surely this isn't the behaviour we expect from teenagers??

OP posts:
fluffiphlox · 13/05/2012 17:33

I always say 'good morning' to the youth round here when I am disporting myself. It terrifies them.

izzyizin · 13/05/2012 17:39

It certainly isn't.

BumpingFuglies · 13/05/2012 17:39

Great to hear this - teens, especially boys in hoodies, get a bad rap. Some of them are proper luffly Smile

2shoes · 13/05/2012 17:40

it is terrible isn't it, most teens seem and helpful.
what is the world coming too

Salmotrutta · 13/05/2012 17:41

So how exactly were you expecting them to act? Confused

I honestly don't think the majority of teenagers stand around in packs swearing/harrassing people or whatever - some do but most don't surely?

Yes they can be a bit loud, maybe a bit rambunctious, maybe a bit sweary at times but then so can adults.

gafhyb · 13/05/2012 17:41

How disappointing that they didn't swear at or spit at you. They have clearly been reading the wrong newspapers..
(are you quite sure they weren't dropping the rocks on a swan though?)

Salmotrutta · 13/05/2012 17:44

That sounded like a contradiction about the swearing - meant that sometimes they swear but most don't.

I don't understand why groups of teens are so often viewed with suspicion.

Acekicker · 13/05/2012 17:49

Awwww have teens like this near us - they're lovely aren't they! I was once on the train in the 'witching hour' on a Friday evening when there's no-one on it because everyone either knocked off early or is partying after work and getting the drunk train home a couple of hours later.

Behoodied teenage lads all got on a couple of stops before I got off, clearly getting the train into town for a night out. They were chugging their cheap lager, messing about etc and I was wondering what would happen when I had to get past them to leap out at my stop as they were all crowding in the lobby bit etc. As I got up just before the stop, one came to ask if he could get my bag down for me (I was taller than he was - bless!) and then they all parted like the sea before Moses to let me through except one who stayed near the door to hit the exit button for me.

Original poster
Snowfire · 13/05/2012 17:54

It did make me think about how I had judged them, you hear so much in the press, you just expect a group of lads to be up to no good!!

OP posts:
Ithinkitsjustme · 13/05/2012 19:58

I remember just after moving house, I was on my way home from work at 2 am, when I got a flat tyre! I pulled over and made the decision that I would have to walk (no great distance but it was very late) As I locked the car up, a large group of youths wearing hoodies etc came round the corner. Expecting them to pinch my handbag and run off if no worse, I was astonished when they asked if I was ok. I laughed (nervously) and explained about the tyre. "No worries" they said, and changed my tyre for me! I was so shocked! The vast majority of teenagers are absolute stars. And yes, I know IWBU for not changing the tyre myself but I couldn't find the spare! Grin

ragged · 13/05/2012 20:27

Most of them are decent around here, too. I have lived here long enough to remember when many of them were little kids, so we can easily chat & exchange hellos.

Sadly, that's only "most", but better than none!

DrCoconut · 13/05/2012 21:24

DS1 is a sweaty, grunty teenage boy at the moment but he's still my lovely baby under it all. I'd hate anyone to think badly of him because of the fact that he was born in 1998 and is therefore 13.

maddening · 13/05/2012 21:28

I usually smile or say hi to teenagers - am sure feeling like society distrusts you wouldn't make you want to be part of it.

FallenCaryatid · 13/05/2012 21:37

Puzzles my boy too, he was on his way home on Thursday night when a woman crossed the road to avoid him.
So, because she had been a TA at his primary school, and because he doesn't pick up on social cues, he crossed over to say hi to her, and she practically ran away from him and disappeared into a pub.
He came home convinced that she hated him for something he couldn't remember doing 8 years ago.
The fact that he'd morphed into a teenager and thus a terrifying and feral member of society hadn't occurred to him.

Mrsjay · 13/05/2012 21:43

I know a few teens as i have 2 of my own and really where i live anyway the arsey ones are in the minority , and even them will say SORRY mrs if they bang into you or their hoodies mate will yell fucking move to his other mate so manners of sorts Hmm ,, Op It mustve have been a shock that these boys were out of bed on a sunday and moved for you Grin

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