Sadly it is often the case that people however old or young they may be are still persecuted for their interest or participation in the ways of the Craft. However now a suspected Witch is not burned at the stake but dogged and ridiculed for no better reason than the ignorance and small minded behaviour of some. People, teens most often, can be very cruel with no reason or inclination of the damage that is being caused. Witches and Pagans alike pride themselves on not only putting themselves out of their way not to harm anyone but often actively working in the community and for other people. As with anyone that can be classed as 'out of the ordinary' or 'different' those who hurt them are working on a base of fear.
Fear breeds ignorance and hate.
I won't begin to say I understand it. It seems to be fear of the unknown. Fear of someone who is not like them. Much like the inexplicable cruelty of races against racial and social minorities. When I look at a man or a woman I see a man or woman.