Recent incidents of teenage vandalism on Moscow’s public transport have sparked concern and debate about the underlying causes and whether these acts represent a new subculture. Experts suggest a combination of factors, including age-related boundary testing, a desire for attention, group affiliation, and accumulated stress, may be at play.

In Moscow, a 14-year-old girl recently smashed windows in an electric train, and a few months prior, a group of teenagers damaged a train on the Yaroslavl line. These incidents, often filmed and shared, raise questions about the motivations behind such destructive behavior.

Psychologists emphasize that these acts are more likely isolated cases of hooliganism rather than signs of an emerging subculture. A true subculture requires a unifying ideology, rules, and rituals, which are currently absent in these instances. Experts warn against sensationalizing the issue, as media attention could inadvertently encourage copycat behavior.

Instead of a subculture, experts point to individual and environmental factors contributing to the problem. Child psychologist Elizaveta Solovyova highlights the age-related need for teenagers to test boundaries and seek self-affirmation. She suggests that teenagers lacking positive outlets, such as sports or creative activities, may resort to destructive behavior to gain attention or acceptance within a group.

Clinical psychologist Elena Morozova attributes some incidents to accumulated stress and the need to release pent-up emotions. She underscores the importance of providing teenagers with safe and constructive ways to express themselves and manage their mental health.

Experts advise parents and guardians to pay close attention to a teenager’s social environment, activities, and interests. Offering alternatives such as sports, creativity, and volunteering can provide positive avenues for self-expression and recognition. Monitoring mental health and providing channels for emotional release are also crucial in preventing destructive behavior.