We have to work really hard to get any positive coverage of young people (Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Social media can be an amazing resource. It can expose injustices and be a call to action, or it can also have you laughing out loud. 

However, it also has a dark side and can be incredibly dangerous. 

Take, for example, speculation about a TikTok advertised event that led to chaos and disorder on the bustling streets of London.

It’s believed that the intention was to orchestrate a mass robbery, involving a surge of people storming shops. 

Rightly, nine arrests were made. The Metropolitan Police even had to enforce a dispersal order over two days, granting officers the authority to ban individuals from the area for 48 hours. Non-compliance could lead to arrest.  

These shocking scenes came just days after a Twitch streamer, Kai Cenat, brought chaos and rioting to the streets of New York City, over a publicised PlayStation giveaway on his channel.

It forced the New York Police Department to deploy approximately 1,000 police officers to tackle the crowd.  

London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, rightly urged people to not take part in such criminality. I echo his plea. The frustration I felt at the stupidity of young people taking place was palpable.   

I wanted to send a message to these young people to say that, by participating in these acts, they are potentially jeopardising their entire future. Saddling themselves with a possible criminal record could potentially limit future job opportunities.  

If you think that, because you’re in a group, you can go and rob a shop, you’re foolish. In reality, it only exposes you to societal and police scrutiny.  

Participating in such acts – though appearing momentarily amusing, and possibly even empowering being in a large crowd – is ultimately not worth the consequences. Engaging in illegal activities, while also being recorded can translate to a lifetime of hardship.  

In this social media era, going viral, having a large following or being an influencer is what a lot of young people strive for. And this ambition can blind them to the real-life consequences of their actions. Who wants to think about getting older when you are living your best life now?  

Countless young individuals are making positive contributions to their communities. However, those participating in mass robberies tarnish their good image. 

We have to work really hard to get any positive coverage of young people, especially young Black males. Every single person who participated in that recent event or similar raids undermined the efforts of those striving to create a better and fairer society.   

I understand the buzz of being in a like-minded group – the feeling it gives is the same no matter the group, positive or negative. But I want to throw a challenge out there: If group activities are sought, why not choose constructive pursuits?   

For example, roller skating. I recently visited Flippers Roller Boogie in London, who are doing great things in their community, and the vibe there is buzzing and amazing. 

The skating movement is phenomenal and edgy. There are so many other outlets for young people to get involved in, with the right support. 

I want to be absolutely clear that I don’t hold the Conservative Government responsible for this recent trend. However, they have failed young people over the last 13 years.   

Since 2010, more than 4,500 youth work jobs have been cut, and 760 youth centres have shut down. This void in society has left many feeling adrift. It’s no wonder so many feel lost.  

Sadly, we’ve all witnessed the extremes individuals are willing to go to for social media clicks and likes

It’s also no coincidence that these incidents often occur during warm long summer days coinciding with school holidays, when young people have plenty of time on their hands. As the saying goes, the devil finds work for idle hands.   

The Tories made a mistake in erasing the ministerial position for young citizens. During my tenure in the Labour Government, as Minister for Young People and Youth Affairs, I championed substantial investment in youth and related services.   

We recognised the significance of safeguarding and nurturing the potential of our youth. Regrettably, the current Government demonstrates a lack of concern.  

The culture of social media influencers also warrants attention. Few succeed as influencers, yet many aspire to be one, regardless of the cost. Sadly, we’ve all witnessed the extremes individuals are willing to go to for social media clicks and likes, like the recent and deadly trend, which has seen teenagers encouraged to overdose on paracetamol.

Influencers who amass significant followings must acknowledge the great responsibilities they hold and refrain from encouraging criminal behaviour. What we need to develop more of is critical thinking. 

It is vital for these young people to show good judgement, sensibility, and understand personal responsibility. I, for one, will not be defending their illegal and irresponsible behaviour. 

I call on them to rise above the allure of fleeting trends, make well-informed decisions and think of their futures.

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Engaging in illegal activities while also being recorded can translate to a lifetime of hardship.