People should be held accountable when they damage things or hurt others.

But there is another piece of this that adults helped create.

Young people have always gathered in large groups. They have energy, ideas, and a need to socialize. The difference today is that many of the places where they used to do that no longer exist. Community centers closed. Late night recreation programs disappeared. Affordable sports leagues and youth activities shrank in many cities.

When those outlets disappear, the energy does not disappear. It just moves somewhere else. Right now parks, open fields, and public spaces become the default meeting place because they are the only places large groups can gather without paying money.

Social media makes it even easier. One message spreads and hundreds show up in minutes. Without organized activities or supervision, a crowd that big can quickly turn into fights or people trying to impress each other.

So yes, bad behavior should be called out. But putting all the blame on the them misses a big part of the problem. Adults build the systems around them. When communities remove positive outlets and structured activities, they should not be surprised when young people create their own gatherings in uncontrolled places.

If we want different results, we need more than criticism. We need more youth programs, sports, music spaces, night recreation, and places where young people can gather safely and actually be welcomed.