TEENS SEEKING CLOUT DESERVE JAIL CELLS.

The Abyss Stares Back: When "Fun" Becomes Felony

Let's be blunt. I’ve seen enough. Enough breathless reporting on "challenges" and “trends” that amount to little more than televised idiocy. And frankly, I’m insulted anyone thinks coddling these digital delinquents with explanations is helpful. They know what they’re doing. They simply don’t care.

The latest? A pathetic display of door-kicking. Yes, you read that correctly. Teens, apparently bored with the simple act of living, are filming themselves violently assaulting private property, then uploading the evidence of their crimes for…clout? The sheer audacity is breathtaking. It's not a prank. It's criminal damage, pure and simple. Expecting homeowners to simply understand that little Timmy didn’t mean to terrify them into believing they’re being burgled is a fantasy. Someone will react. And they’ll be justified.

Then there's "UrbanEx" – a nauseatingly trendy euphemism for trespassing. These kids, these self-proclaimed “explorers,” are willingly infiltrating abandoned buildings—rotting structures riddled with asbestos, unstable flooring, and the distinct possibility of a sudden, gravity-assisted meeting with the ground. The romantic notion of uncovering “hidden history” doesn’t excuse blatant disregard for personal safety and the law. Apparently, a perfectly good tetanus shot isn’t enough of a deterrent.

And the locations? Don't even get me started. The Houston Astrodome? A landmark, yes, but also a condemned structure. These aren’t intrepid adventurers; they’re liability claims waiting to happen. One wrong step, one collapsing beam, and we’ll have a very different story. I saw one clip of a supposed "Urbex Tarzan" – Guillermo Leflore, apparently – dangling from some rusted pipe. Heroic? No. A moron begging for a lawsuit.

Police departments across the country are issuing warnings, scrambling to keep up with these rapidly evolving displays of recklessness. But warnings aren’t enough. We need consequences. Real ones. Fines. Community service. And, yes, arrests. Let these kids learn a valuable lesson: actions have repercussions.

Parents, for the love of all that is sensible, talk to your children. Not about "following their dreams," but about the difference between harmless fun and criminal behavior. Stay informed. Know what your kids are watching, what challenges they’re discussing, and who they’re following. Open communication isn’t a suggestion; it’s a necessity.

Data from sources like Factset and Refinitiv Lipper, while concerning, aren't the problem. The problem is the mindless pursuit of internet validation. These aren’t isolated incidents. They're symptoms of a culture obsessed with shock value and instant gratification.

This isn't about being "old-fashioned" or "out of touch." It's about common sense. It's about protecting our children from themselves, and protecting the rest of us from their spectacularly bad decisions. This isn’t a trend to be analyzed; it’s a crisis demanding immediate, decisive action. And frankly, I'm tired of watching it unfold.