Supernanny host Jo Frost has put parents on the naughty step, urging them to 'get a grip' over a worrying trend. Known as 'teen takeovers' or 'link ups', a new social media movement has seen groups of young people gathering in public spaces and causing chaos. Organised on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, while the 'takeovers' are more prevalent in the USA — where disruption has broken out in Washington DC, New York and Orlando — they have happened in the UK too.
In April, crowds of youths tore through high streets in London and Birmingham, ransacking shops and facing down police officers. Now, the parenting expert has had enough. Taking to social media, the TV star said: 'What the hell is going on? Teen takeovers? We have got children running through shopping centres, terrorising people, smashing up shops, attacking strangers, filming it for social media like it is entertainment. Parents, please get a grip on your children.'
During her impassioned speech, the 55-year-old continued: 'Seriously, what happened to parenting? Some of you do not know where your kids are. You do not know who they are with. You do not know what they are doing.' Jo added that parents complain that their children ignore their text messages, but she was not accepting any excuses. 'Who is paying for the phone? Who is putting food on the table? Who is responsible for that child? You!'
The Supernanny added that parents should not blame schools, the police or social media for their children's poor behaviour, telling caregivers: 'This is your wake up call. Pull yourselves together.' Many mums and dads in the comments were quick to agree with Jo, claiming that there is 'no such thing as bad kids, just bad parents.' Commenter Richard Blake wrote: 'Parents are so desperate to validate their child's feeling and show them unconditional love that they do not do any actual parenting.' While Venesa Vaughn said: 'Parents spend far too much time pointing the finger at others… I most often hear how it is everyone else but them. It is exhausting.'
But others pointed out that parenting is not exactly an easy job. On TikTok, mum Nicky wrote: 'I raised my eldest on your methods of parenting and he never behaved outside the house. I was patient. Very consistent. He only behaved at home.'
Expert Advice on Teenage Behaviour
Parenting specialist Kristy Ketley, who has over 30 years of experience working with young children and their families, says 'it is important not to jump straight to blame or shame, either towards the child or the parents.' She told Metro: 'Adolescence is a stage where peer approval, identity and belonging become incredibly powerful, and risky behaviour is often a sign that a young person is struggling with something underneath the surface, such as anxiety, bullying, low self-esteem, school struggles or other emotional difficulties. Many teens make poor choices while their brains and identities are still developing. What matters most is whether there are adults who stay connected and consistent while helping them correct their mistakes. Support from schools, youth workers, or even therapists can make a real difference, and a difficult phase in adolescence does not define their future.'
How to Handle a Teen Displaying Challenging Behaviour
Show an interest in their friendship group
Kirsty explains: 'Teenagers are far more likely to respond to calm curiosity than constant criticism.' First up, get to know the people they spend time with. Kirsty says: 'Knowing their peer group, without attacking it constantly is helpful. If parents repeatedly insult or bad mouth their friends, the teen can become more protective of those relationships. It is more effective to calmly discuss dynamics. Ask questions like: "Do you feel like yourself around them?" "Do they get you into situations you regret later?" "Who brings out the best in you?"'
Every child needs rules
'They still need boundaries, even when they push against them,' says Kirsty. 'Being too strict can damage connection, but having no rules at all can leave teens feeling unsupported or adrift and they tend to do best when there is both warmth and clear, consistent limits. Consequences are very important, but consequences work best when they are calm, predictable and linked to behaviour, not humiliation.' So, when implementing a rule, stay calm and balanced. Kirsty adds: 'They need to hear: "I do not like this behaviour, but I still love you and believe in you." If a teenager starts to feel they are simply the "bad kid," they can lean further into it.'
Foster small moments of connection
'Small moments are often better than one big, dramatic conversation,' says Kate. 'This could be eating together, driving somewhere together, watching the TV, or showing interest in their world. This will help rebuild trust and keep the relationship strong enough for parents to still have some influence.' For more information and advice, visit the NHS website.
