COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Concerns over so-called teen takeovers are growing in Columbus as fliers circulating on social media suggest April gatherings could happen locally.
“I’m nervous that it could happen here,” said Malissa Thomas St. Clair, founder of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children.
Thomas St. Clair, who advocates against youth violence, said the events may look harmless at first, but conversations she has had with teens suggest there may be more to them.
Concerns over so-called teen takeovers are growing in Columbus as flIers circulating on social media suggest April gatherings could happen locally. (WSYX)
She said similar incidents in other cities helped push her to speak out quickly after seeing the fliers to try and stop potential gatherings locally.
A North Columbus business, Slick City, says it has already dealt with teen takeovers at other locations around the country and is now changing its policies to try to prevent problems in Columbus.
Starting Saturday after 4 p.m., the business will only accept online reservations. Anyone entering without a pre-purchased ticket will need to be accompanied by an adult 25 or older. Oversized bags will not be allowed.
Thomas St. Clair said she is thankful businesses are paying attention and taking steps before issues arise.
“I’m thankful businesses are listening and watching what’s happening across their state,” she said. “I hope other businesses really will catch on.”
Columbus police say social media is playing a major role in organizing these gatherings and are urging parents to monitor their children’s online activity.
“Monitor their social media,” Sgt. James Fuqua said. “A lot of these things that we’re getting, for example, this store we’re talking about now, we’re getting it off social media.”
Thomas St. Clair said parents should not be afraid to step in and ask questions, even if it feels invasive.
“The night of my son’s murder, he got a phone call and I was in the car with him,” she said. “I didn’t want to be invasive and I didn’t ask. I had that gut feeling. My point is moms and dads don’t fear being invasive now if it could save your child’s life.”
Thomas St. Clair said her organization is also working to build partnerships across the community to go out and talk with teens about staying away from violence and these events.
