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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Teen Wanting to become 'Urban Explorer'

21 replies

worl · 02/04/2019 20:08

Hi all, new here and first account Smile

So where to begin...
Son 14 has watched Youtubers Ally Law and NightScape for a while, alright just a few other Youtube Famous Idiots. It turns out they're called Freerun Urban Explorers, they invade roof tops, climb fucking Cranes FFS, things that could cause death.

Now I've seen loads of twats on YouTube doing crazy things for YouTube 'clout' (Word he told me that means online fame Hmm) I think we all remember the 'Tide Pod Challenge'?

So now today a Security Guard has been around ours, telling me that Son has been Climbing up to the Roof of a local Flat Estate, meaning he's broken into Fire Exits, climbed staff only stairs and ladders...

How is punishable? He wasn't the most phased about the Security, and doesn't really care at all... Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
worl · 02/04/2019 20:55

Bumping

OP posts:
Original poster
worl · 02/04/2019 21:31

Bump 2

OP posts:
SosigDog · 02/04/2019 21:33

People doing it on YouTube have years of experience and training in parkour. Your son will hurt himself if he tries to copy. You punish it like any other misdemeanour - grounded and privileges removed. If he’s that keen can you perhaps get him into a proper freerunning or parkour group?

Original poster
worl · 02/04/2019 21:36

@SosigDog He seems to believe that the Legit ones are too babyish and safe, and that it loses the thrill.

OP posts:
SosigDog · 02/04/2019 21:42

Does he actually think that everything he sees on the internet is real? If he wants to learn how to do something then you can facilitate that in a safe way. But running around risking his life and breaking the law is not acceptable. I’d be looking to restrict his internet usage and block those channels.

crashbangwhoosh · 02/04/2019 21:42

Remove all his access to YouTube and make sure he is properly aware of the danger he could be putting himself in.

There was a good documentary a few years ago about a teenage boy who fell from a wall and suffered with a head injury which might be worth watching with him, so he begins to really understand the concern of doing such a reckless act? I'll add the link to the video-

vimeo.com/83596829

Original poster
worl · 02/04/2019 21:54

Hi, I'm not sure on blocking the channels, he's fully savvy and would find a way around it (he knows all about VPNs and Onion Browsers ect.) , I have shown clips like that in the past, shocked temporary and then just back for it...

Wouldn't punishing him just cause an attitude of fuck it and he'll just go up a crane like the Youtubers?

OP posts:
Original poster
worl · 02/04/2019 21:54

Back too it*

OP posts:
crashbangwhoosh · 02/04/2019 21:58

That's why education on the risks is important. He's 14 and probably feels pretty invincible.
I don't think you need to go hard on him otherwise he's more likely to rebel as you say. Just make sure the issues are properly discussed.

SosigDog · 02/04/2019 22:02

he's fully savvy and would find a way around it
I’ve yet to see a kid find a way around having no phone or computer. Imo he’s taking serious risks that warrant removing his access to these channels, even if it means taking away his devices.

nakedscientist · 02/04/2019 23:18

I’ve yet to see a kid find a way around having no phone or computer. Imo he’s taking serious risks that warrant removing his access to these channels, even if it means taking away his devices.

You can just look at your mates phone/laptop, school computer/iPad.

You need to educate him , find some videos of accidents, talk to him iteratively. By that I mean a series of short clear messages.
You could talk to the school. They may give you advice/ warnings to the kids.
Local police may be able to advise too, they may even come round " for a chat" he's just young enough to be a bit scared my this.

Just my ideas on reading your post.

Good luck.

Snuggleworm · 03/04/2019 13:42

A teenager in my area aged 16 died on St Stephens night doing this. Prob not want you want to hear but it is so dangerous.

Original poster
worl · 03/04/2019 17:12

@Snuggleworm Oh my, that's my city...

OP posts:
Original poster
worl · 03/04/2019 17:13

St Stephens you mean the shopping centre?

OP posts:
Snuggleworm · 04/04/2019 16:16

@worl I mean boxing day. WE call it St Stephens day in Ireland.

Original poster
worl · 04/04/2019 16:55

Oh sorry! But DS still won't budge on joining climbing clubs, do I need to ban him from going out without supervision again?

OP posts:
Karigan195 · 04/04/2019 17:00

see If you have a local parkour group. They will have areas where they have permission etc

KelvinHelmholtz · 06/04/2019 10:01

parkour.uk

KelvinHelmholtz · 06/04/2019 10:06

Tampering with fire doors is serious- an open door could cost lives.

Original poster
worl · 06/04/2019 13:19

@KelvinHelmholtz Absolutely none of those are even close to my area, oh no.

OP posts:
Takethebuscuitandthesink · 13/04/2019 18:26

I’ve yet to see a kid find a way around having no phone or computer. Imo he’s taking serious risks that warrant removing his access to these channels, even if it means taking away his devices.

Going to the local library/ borrowing a mates phone/buying his own cheap phone and hiding it would be a pretty good way around it.

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