whats the best way to deal with mouthy teens?

Question

walking home earlier i passed the usual group of chavvy teens giving me a lot of mouth, as i am a lot older than them and as an adult the courts would obviously find against me i resisted turning round and punching them out, as i would have done when/if i was the same age as them.

apart from just walking on what else can you do?

No i didn't act that way when i was their age, i was brought up to respect adults, not to be abusive to them for no reason.

To thecoldvoiceofreason…

believe me i was sorely tempted to do just that!

Answer 1

I'm afraid we brought it on ourselves and the rot set in in the 80s, under Thatcher. Young people were given far too many rights and, understandably, over the succeeding years it has gone to their heads. The result is absolutely no respect for authority or their elders.
Teachers have all their rights eroded - they cannot enforce corporal punishment anymore (which is a shame) and, if a pupil should assault a teacher and the teacher restrains him/her, thus laying a hand on them, the teacher then finds him/herself up for assault themselves.
Children can obtain a 'divorce' from their parents.
Political correctness has been taken to a ridiculous extreme.
Health and safety - ditto.
Members of the emergency services are attacked when going about their business (which, in the case of ambulance personnel and firefighters, is an absolute disgrace).
There is nothing we can do about it. That's just the way it is now. The general consensus amongst the young is that they can do anything and get away with it.
Don't forget, 'hoodies' and 'ASBOs' had never been heard of not all that long ago.
Until another generation comes on the scene with a different attitude, we're stuck with it.

Answer 2

Ignore it, as they do it to antagonise people. After all you were brought up in a decent courteous environment and taught manners and respect for others. Don't stoop to their level. I know it's hard, but remember it's a sad fact that you could end up stabbed and dead by some 13 year old with an asbo.
If I had my way I'd bring back conscription at least this teaches them discipline and respect. I never thought I'd ever say something like that (feel old) but I do think that when these type of teens have time on their hands and their energies are not directed in positive ways then what else do you expect will happen.
Blair and the government should do this instead of what I heard this morning on the news - that there are going to be special case workers to deal with problem families personally! Whoopee talking to these kind of people will definitely stop them......
But then again the forces would not want them either would they?

Answer 3

Not much, especially if it's a group. You never know, they may be they "kick the crap out of you for fun" types. Not worth the risk. A witty comeback may be appropriate, but be careful not to disrespect, or you might get attacked by the little piranhas.

If you are the revenge type, snap a picture with your camera phone and report it to the police. Surely something said might be construed as a threat? ;-)

Seriously though, just try to realize it is immaturity and nothing personal. Better to do exactly what you did and walk on by. Otherwise you are just adding fuel to the fire.

Answer 4

Well, if you're prepared to punch them out, give them a mouthful back and if they try anything, whatever you dish out to them is put down to self-defence.

Alternatively, walk into a police station and say that you have been the victim of homophobic/racist abuse. They can't fob you off with a shrug of the shoulders - they must act and will give the yobs a hard time in the process.

Answer 5

How old are they??? If they are really young like in high school or middle school find out where they live and tell their parents. It is for the best. If they are older, tell them to shut up. You are much older then them and they are just trying to show off. If they did that to me I would punch them, I don't care what could happen to me. Just as long as they won't do it anymore.

Answer 6

I think that giving them the old evil eye every adult has mastered would do it. But if not you could always try impersonating them. If they say something that is dripping with attitude, respond mockingly back. Then again, walking away probably saves a lot of your breath and time that could be spent otherwise. Its up to you, hope this helps!!!!

Answer 7

Read this

People are often unreasonable,
Illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.


If you are kind,
People may accuse
You of selfish motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,
You will win some false friends
And some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
People may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,
Someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
They may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
People will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
And it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
It is between you and God;

It never was between you and them anyway.

~Mother Teresa~

Answer 8

You have to walk up to them while they are doing that and be care free about it....Chances are they will be intimidated.... They only talk crap when they think that you are timid. If you don't approach them and if you keep walking away... they will think your scared. They only get brave with people that they think are afraid of them. You don't have to be tough about it..... just ask them questions..... If they still do it after that.. then I would hire some young kids to do the job.

Answer 9

Stop where they are and call the police on your cell phone.Ask the police if there is anything they can do with a bunch of harassing teens...If nothing else it will get there attention and scare them.

Answer 10

Not a lot, like you said you cant retaliate as this would land you in trouble. Its difficult to contend with, so maybe ignoring them is the best way.