Stonebriar Centre enacts a new rule requiring teens under 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 3 p.m., aiming to curb disruptive incidents and enhance safety.
FRISCO, Texas — Malls have historically been an iconic American staple for teenagers, serving as a third place for outside of home and school. They have been the backdrop of milestones for teens, such as the first job, first time hanging with friends outside of supervision, learning how to drive, and even first dates.
But that socialization will look a little different at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco starting May 9. Mall officials are implementing a curfew, requiring guests under 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 3 p.m.
“I don’t like this new rule,” Alex, a teenage shopper, told WFAA. He was with three other friends who ranged in age between 17 and 18. “We [already] have limited options now. Stonebriar was really a place you can come to hang out with your friends.”
During a phone interview Thursday, a spokesperson told WFAA that mall officials did not take the decision to implement what they call the “Parental Guidance Required” (PGR) program lightly. While the spokesperson did not pinpoint one specific incident that led to their decision, the spokesperson said there has been a series of events involving “disruptive youth.” WFAA previously reported on fights that broke out at the shopping center. In one incident, a teen was knocked unconscious.
Mall officials want the shopping experience to remain safe for the community.
“We can’t have the risk at our shopping center. Disruption is a violation of our code of conduct, and it jeopardizes the peaceful environment for our tenants and guests.”
Alex and his friends said it’s unfair for all teens to be punished for a few bad apples.
“We should get the opportunity to be here by ourselves and do the shopping and not have other people ruin it,” Kaleb Glover, a Richland High School senior, added.
With the PGR program, trained public safety officers will be stationed at mall entrances to check IDs. Minors at the mall after 3 p.m. will have to be accompanied by someone at least 21 years old. Wristbands will be given to those permitted to walk through the mall. Chaperones can only supervise four teenagers at a time.
The mall spokesperson said they are working with tenants and businesses on a plan for student workers.
Adults WFAA caught up with right after the announcement, Thursday said the curfew is the right decision for parents, teens, and shoppers.
“When I was growing up, parents would drop us off and we knew not to get in trouble […],” said Triston Samuel, a mall shopper. “As a society, we need to be holding our kids more accountable at all times. Parents should supervise their children.”
“I think that’s [it’s] a good choice,” Jessica Chavez, another mall shopper, said. “Not only for the safety of the kids with all the recent things happenings in the news but [also] for the community in general and making sure kids are being looked after and cared for. “
Stonebriar Centre said the program is intended to be temporary.