As spring break nears for New York City public schools, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and local leaders are pressing social media platforms to take action against content that encourages unsafe teen gatherings.
This request follows the violent takeover of the Mall at Bay Plaza on President's Day.
The letter was addressed to major social media platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube.
"In anticipation of the upcoming spring break (April 2 through April 10), I and my fellow elected officials and business leaders urge your companies to take proactive measures," the request stated.
The letter was co-signed by Borough President Gibson, Eric Shalem, VP of Prestige Properties/Mall at Bay Plaza, among others.
The officials asked that the platforms "monitor and remove posts that actively encourage or organize mall takeovers or similar gatherings, work with local law enforcement and community organizations to identify trends in youth-driven events that pose public safety risks, educate users, especially minors, on the legal consequences and danger of organizing or participating in mass takeovers, and suspend social media privileges for those who incite such incidents."
Back on President's Day, News 12 reported that 18 people were taken into custody during the planned "takeover" at the Bronx mall.
The disturbance broke out on the first day of mid-winter vacation for New York City public school students at Bay Plaza, where large crowds of teens were seen running through the mall, throwing shopping carts at glass windows and damaging storefronts.
