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emleh t1_jdh70vz wrote

The truth is that kids have always hung out at the mall, often in large groups, and many times, causing issues. When I was growing up, everyone was concerned about the skaters at the mall and the lakefront, in particular. The bell tower was removed from the dock because people would climb up there, have sex and do drugs. Kids stole from the stores a lot and when the arcade was there, there were always huge groups outside smoking weed & fighting. I wouldn’t say this is a new problem; just a new demographic of kids doing it.

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tacitus59 t1_jdhkw41 wrote

Possibly - also there are more kids who live nearby than there use to be. And weird shit did occassionally happen at the mall even in the 80s.

Also, main event seems to be problematic.

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ChanceSiscoTheRapper t1_jdl6rp8 wrote

Yeah I’m sympathetic to those who, at first blush, want to say “kids being kids”, but back in the day it was high school kids and it didn’t involve intimidating and harassing adults and kids alike. There’s 12 yos mobbing stores and getting in fights. I have a 12 yo, there’s nothing normal about that behavior for 5th and 6th graders.

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tacitus59 t1_jdlwmox wrote

Yes ... didn't really want to go here; but as a society kids are not being taught repercussions of bad behavior and at bit later when they get in real trouble. Its OK to steal, assault and trash peoples property and this behavior tends not to go away for a long time (if ever). And even if juvenile justice does get involved - there is no public visibility - so we really don't know if its working or not.

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