AIBU to report a gathering of about 10 youths to the police

[TheWashingMachine]

I have just seen a group of about ten youths congregating around a car very obviously socialising, there doesn't seem to be any proper social distancing going on? Should I call the police, I also got a whiff of weed.

I subsequently heard a woman was attacked while jogging nearby by a large gang of young men, so I'm glad the police came.

You are glad the police came to deal with a gathering of people while a woman was being attacked?

Grew up in South London and have only ever lived in cities with significant social issues

If you have experience of cities with social issues, why the hell are you suggesting to the OP that she doesn't call the cops? Many UK cities are blighted by crime. That's a serious problem. Not the use of the word 'youths.' FFS.

I have learnt today that 'youth' is not an acceptable term.

I must be getting old.

Youth Centre, Youth Training Scheme (YTS), Youth unemployment, Musical Youth, National Youth Orchestra...

I have learnt today that 'youth' is not an acceptable term

It's curious, isn't it? Those keen to police language and redefine meanings of words...

Yanbu- obviously the usual collection of idiots will be along to tell you that you are a snitch and should keep your beak out And that they probably all live in the same house, or are a mental health support group Or you just don’t know their circumstances.
Please ignore them and know that you are both sane and correct.

Those keen to police language and redefine meanings of words...

I'm not policing anything. I'm noting that 'youths' is a word frequently used pejoratively. Feel free to disagree and use it widely. I never hear it used about groups of white middle class kids but maybe you do.

Personally I suspect there is very little transmission now between people who are wfh,furloughed, out of work, school or college. It's mostly going to be people who are still having to work spending time in the same room as other workers or customers or patients of course and within households. I wish there were more warning adverts directed at employers who are not supporting their staff to be safe or shaming them for their behaviour.

No, let them get on with it

I never hear it used about groups of white middle class kids

Gosh. Well while you fret in your little bubble about whether 'youth ' is an appropriate word to use for white kids, people dealing with crime in cities can go ahead and call the cops if they feel threatened. Your permission? Not required.

"I'm noting that 'youths' is a word frequently used pejoratively. Feel free to disagree and use it widely. I never hear it used about groups of white middle class kids but maybe you do."

I used it today in EMs to describe how the police spoke to a group of youths here cycling too fast and too closely

I'm in Germany and they were all white lads

I'm mixed race and have come across many insults, but not "youths"
(but I'm ancient)
It just means to me that they are 16-24, easier than saying "late teens to early 20s"

And yes, the OP was of course correct to report a group breaking the law by socialising

She should report if a group of pensioners do the same

I'm no curtain-twitcher, but a group that size is totally against any interpretation of lockdown