#TeenTakeovers #TeenBoredom #SocialMedia #TeenMentalHealth #ReadABook
A “teen takeover’ recently took place at Atlanta’s Beltline.
This occurs when social media, i.e TikTok, Instagram etc., encourage teens to gather in a certain place at a certain time and take it over.
This incident, at the 700 Block of North Avenue in Atlanta, apparently got out of hand. Police arrested more than a dozen people and recovered 10 firearms, according to Nedra Rhone, “Real Life” columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Her column about “teen takeovers” was published March 1, 2026.
Teens apparently are quite bored these days. Teen boredom has been a problem for a long time.
But, since the COVID-19 pandemic, kids are feeling more isolated. Mental health problems among young people have increased.
Combine boredom, isolation and (some may call) addiction to social media and you have a large mass of young people looking for recognition.
When they go to these takeovers, teens record the activity, including themselves, and post it on their social media accounts.
Back decades ago, if a teen got bored, mom and dad would just tell them to go amuse himself ot herself. Or, if he or she had nothing else to do, read a book.
Today, teen boredom is more than just a phase, or something they will get over. It is manifesting itself in an apparent strong desire to be seen by others. People used to call it one’s 15 minutes of fame. In the wrong person, that desire could turn tragic.
At the same time, one-on-one personal interaction is in decline. Young people’s lives are largely tied up in their digital personas. Teens used to talk on the phone for hours, one on one. Now, they spend hours scrolling through their phones, talking to no one in particular, but perhaps commenting on things for the world to read, or see. If they do have a one-on-one conversation, it is through their personal devices, usually not in person, voice to voice.
It begs the question: how do these kids interact in school? How will they interact in a future workplace? Schools are beginning to crack down on personal phone use in their buildings. At the same time, with the increasing fear – and actual occurrence – of active shooters at schools, the phones provide a way for kids to quickly let parents know they are OK – or not.
They call it “social” media. And, it can be a very good way to stay in touch with people you don’t often see, but want to hear from. But, between bullying that takes place on that media, and the isolation that it seems to create, it may be more like “anti-social” media.
If you are feeling bored, or isolated, call – as in, pick up your device, go to the telephone or contacts icon, punch in a number (or speeddial) and call – a friend. Talk as long as you have time for. Talk about anything you want.
If you can meet this person one on one, have a cup of coffee or some other favorite beverage. Perhaps meet over lunch or dinner. Talk for as long as you have time for.
Your grandparents, who may have told your parents to go read a book if they were bored, were not wrong. If you are alone, find a book (they make digital ones) that interests you and read it. It may take your mind off the reason you are bored.
If you believe you have a problem and need help, don’t ever be afraid to ask for it. There are many good people – not just your parents – who are more than willing to help you.
Going to a “takeover” just to document that you were there is not the same thing as good, in-person social interaction. At least the kids who went to Woodstock in 1969 just to say they were there got to hear some good music to make the visit worthwhile.
Takeovers may get you “clicks,” but they may not get you “kicks.” Or, they could get you the wrong kind of kicks.
Plus, you do not want the wrong kind of “click,” which is the sound of arrest and detention by law enforcement, whether or not you did anything wrong.
In short, when you are bored, talk, literally talk, to somebody one on one.
Peter