Expert Says Hoodie Ban Won't Work

Philadelphia is considering banning hoodies from some public schools. But one local expert thinks the act won't curb teen violence.

Dr. Charles Williams is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Drexel and he said the effort to change teen bevahior by banning hooded sweatshirts, or hoodies, won’t work.

“It’s not appropriate. It’s like we are chasing our tails,” says Williams. “If you feel you are disrespected, how is banning hoodies going to fix all of that?”

Williams recently critique an article published by the Philadelphia Inquirer that debated the hoodie question after a retired Federal judge said hoodies should be banned from South Philadelphia High School. School leader Dr. Arlene Ackerman is also reportedly considering a hoodie ban.

And remains convinced teen violence and the high dropout rate at Philadelphia public schools need bigger solutions.

The hoodie issue has been amplified by three major teen Flash Mob incidents that jailed dozens of teens, including one allegedly with a loaded gun.

Williams says adding more constructive activities for kids, not being the fashion police is the answer.

“These young people are bored, they need an outlet for their aggression, they need to stay busy and occupied, and we don’t have a lot of activities and programming for young people,” said Dr. Williams.

One problem is that teens, when they get a text message about a meet-up, want to be part of what is going on, even when there are rec centers and other activities available.

Williams says we need more-engaging activities but there is also a “bad element” behind organizing destructive activities, and that some anti-social people become popular.

So how did flash mobs evolve from local parties to large destructive gatherings?

Williams says one reason is people are forgetting that the people involved are young.

“When you’re young, you aren’t thinking and you need direction and guidance,” Williams said. “When they get together in the hundreds, the majority aren’t violent. But they get bored after a while.”