Poynter is reporting on best practices for journalists covering "teen takeovers," with insights from its faculty member Fernanda Camarena. It said current media coverage often links youth to crime, focuses on isolated incidents without exploring underlying causes, and predominantly quotes law enforcement while rarely including youth perspectives. Poynter noted that negative language, such as "mobs" or "swarms," is frequently used, and stories often concentrate on law enforcement outcomes rather than offering solutions.
To improve reporting, Poynter advises journalists to be intentional with language, avoiding sensational terms and attributing phrases like "teen takeover" when used. It recommends careful selection of visuals, avoiding identifiable youth and verifying user-generated content. The organization also suggests broadening the story's scope to include community resources and safe spaces for young people. Furthermore, Poynter encourages journalistic skepticism, treating social media flyers as unverified leads, questioning threat assessments, and asking for evidence from authorities.