It’s now common to come across a headline about videos or photos of teens that goes viral and strikes a nerve. Teenagers posing with Nazi salutes, painting on blackface and, most recently with the students from Covington Catholic high school, seemingly mocking Native American protesters. What may initially be seen as a joke between friends suddenly delivers hurt, frustration and backlash from thousands on social media.

Many come to the teens’ defense, saying that kids will be kids; as adolescents, they have and will always do some stupid things. “Until 10 minutes ago, it was broadly agreed in our culture that kids are allowed to do some dumb things because they’re kids,” said Kyle Smith for the National Review in response to the backlash against the students from Covington Catholic high school.