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Changes in store: Mall of Abilene restricts access to youths
New policy
• People under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
• A parent or guardian must be 21 or older and cannot be responsible for more than four unrelated youth.
• All guests must abide by the mall's rules of conduct. Failure to do so may result in expulsion for a period of time.
• Mall security personnel may request to see a valid photo ID (i.e. a state-issued driver's license or ID card, visa, passport or military ID) to verify age. (Teens employed at the mall must present proof of employment).
• Unaccompanied youths unable to prove they are 18 or older will either be directed to a designated waiting area to await transportation or instructed to return home the way they arrived.
SOURCE: Mall of Abilene
Online readers join discussion
• "It is annoying seeing a bunch of kids making out or running people down with their horseplay. The problem is the parents that dump their kids off at the mall as a free easy way to get rid of them for a few hours. I think it's a great idea."
-- HoursAway
• "What a crock! This is absolutely the worst thing I have seen them do yet."
-- blahblah
• "I'm guessing a rise in shoplifting probably has a lot to do with this."
-- TexasTwister
• "For those of us that don't rely on the mall to baby-sit our children, this is a WONDERFUL idea! My husband and I are much more likely to visit the mall on weekends now."
-- sadie
• "I kind of like the idea. I hardly go to the mall and the main reason is because I don't want to be around a bunch of teenagers that are all flocked together cursing and horsing around. Then you go somewhere to eat and they've taken over all the tables and just sit there, not even eating any food."
-- mbs0606
• "I think that it's a load of Oscar Meyer Bologna (nice sponsor plug there) that a lot of well-behaved kids will be excluded from the mall."
-- ShakeandBake
To read more comments, click on the online version of this story.
Reporter-News Photo by Ronald W. Erdrich Beginning Oct. 17 people under 18 will be told to leave the Mall of Abilene after 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings if they are unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
Related StoriesYouths who like hanging out at the Mall of Abilene on Friday and Saturday nights soon will be out of luck -- unless they don't mind their parents tagging along.
Beginning Oct. 17, those under 18 will be prohibited from running unaccompanied throughout the mall without a parent or guardian from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
However, there will be an exception for Premier Cinema 10 moviegoers. They will be able to enter unaccompanied 30 minutes before showtime and must remain on the theater premises and leave immediately after their movie ends.
For some, such as high schooler Chandi Perez, the rules are "a little ridiculous."
"It's sending a negative message, and it's just not right," said Perez, an Abilene High School senior. "They'll probably lose a lot of business."
For others, such as Abel Castillo, it is a "good idea."
"They obviously did something to make the mall not trust them," said Castillo, another AHS senior. "It's a privilege -- if you do something wrong and it gets taken away, you have to prove yourself to get it back."
The mall's new "Family-Friendly Hours @5[""] program was the result of concern expressed by some customers and merchants over the large number of unaccompanied youth on weekend nights.
"They felt intimidated," Mall of Abilene Vice President and General Manager Steve Majors said, adding the policy is not the result of any incidents but is rather a proactive move.
The Mall of Abilene is the fourth mall in the company to institute the policy, Majors said. At the other malls, sales generally increased after an adjustment period.
"As you can imagine, our new family-friendly hours are the result of careful thought and consideration, and we feel it presents a positive solution," said Sandra Minnick, senior marketing manager for the mall. "We believe encouraging households to enjoy the center together actively promotes a pleasant, family-focused atmosphere."
Lacey Cook, shift manager at Bath & Body Works, said that she wasn't aware of the change but that it likely will help her business.
"We have a lot of children who come in who aren't shopping," Cook said. "They'll come in, running around unaccompanied."
Cook said her store doesn't really have any problem with "the high school children," noting that the 17- and 18-year-olds who peruse are typically polite and that "they're just not coming in to hang out."
Those 15 and under, Cook said, are "more middle school children" who are "hyper, just running around."
"We could have more people walking in that would be paying customers or at least who are being polite," Cook said.
Samantha Smith, co-manager of Pacific Sunwear, said the change might end up hurting her business "a little bit."
Parents frequently drop their children off to go shopping or to a movie and "half the children nowadays have the money" to purchase items, Smith said.
"I don't mind them coming in, but it's just when they're rowdy," Smith said.
Last week, Smith said, one youngster came in with a balloon and popped it, startling others, and just made "ridiculous noises."
Typically, she said, the most disruptive are the 12- to 14-year-olds who "come in and feel they have to prove something.
"And they're just silly," Smith said.
However, she said, there are instances where children act correctly and make purchases, including one 13-year-old who regularly plops down $100 on items.
Anita Schnier, assistant manager at Spaghetti Warehouse, wasn't familiar with the new policy, but she said she didn't believe the measure would hurt the restaurant's business.
"It's mostly families, couples and adults," she said of the restaurant's clientele.
College students are common because the eatery offers them discounts, she said, but groups of teens under 18 are not common.
"We're not fast food. We're not Chuck E. Cheese," she said. "We don't have a game room."
Meanwhile, Minnick said, mall workers under 18 will be able to enter with proper employee identification on Friday and Saturday nights.
"However, they must report directly to their job and leave once their shift concludes," Minnick said.
According to Minnick, mall security officers will be "visibly posted at public, common mall entrances, anchor tenant entrances into the common area and populated funnel points/corridors, for as long as deemed necessary.
"Younger shoppers may be asked to present photo identification to verify their age," she said. "A valid photo ID includes a state-issued driver's license or ID card, a military ID, visa or passport."
Additionally, Minnick said, school buses coming to the mall won't pose a problem because schools "usually have ample sponsors."
"We don't see it as an issue," she said.
However, mall officials are contacting schools in its 22-county region "just as a courtesy so they will be informed and inform their communities as well," she said.
"This is a very positive program for our consumers and tenants," Minnick said.
On Wednesday, Mall of Abilene officials unveiled the program logo and signage that will soon appear throughout the property to inform shoppers about its new "family-friendly hours." The mall is also running print ads, billboards and radio station ads, and will distribute a dedicated "Mall Mail" e-mail blast to subscribing consumers in addition to working with its community partners to spread the word.
Staff writers Brian Bethel, Sidney Levesque and Nathaniel Ellsworth contributed to this report.
Posted by hardtohandle69 on October 9, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh my! Do we still live in America??? WOW! Is this legal?
I know of problems in the past but come on now. The Mall has lost many businesses and now the only thing they can come up with is to let less people in. Only in Abilene I guess???
Good luck with this.
Posted by mommakelly_64 on October 9, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is stupid, so if the kids under 18 are working and get a dinner break they can't even eat in the mall. I would agree with it if it were under 16, but 18 is stupid. There are a lot of 16 and 17 year olds that go to the mall on dates for the movies or dinner and now they won't be able to. Yet one more reason I don't go to the mall.
Posted by longing4texas on October 9, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe that's why the mall has lost businesses. I currently live in the Shreveport/Bossier area and am thankful the mall management had the "gumption" to stand up to the rowdy children and their lack-of-supervision parents. We would not frequent the Boardwalk on weekend nights before because of kids that were very disrespectful to say the least. Of course, here the mall also instituted dress standards along with it--no sagging pants and no baseball caps turned backwards--makes for a much more enjoyable time for families. And yes it is legal. The Boardwalk here is privately owned so can implement any rules it sees fit. If you don't want to comply--stay home! Don't think of it as having rights taken away, think more of it as rights being given back. Not every group has the right to do as they please and underage minors belong in this category.
Posted by junebug on October 9, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's entirely legal. The Mall is a private retail outlet, they are not a babysitting service for unsupervised teenagers who are too young to drive. If these children were there to purchase items from the retail establishments, that would be fine, but they are not. They are there to play and "hook up."
Posted by conserveABI on October 9, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I love this idea. The mall is private property, and the owners can limit clients in this way completely legally. This should send a message to parents that the mall is not a dumping ground for miscreants.
Posted by blahblah on October 9, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
junebug...Not entirely true. Not all teens who go there are there to play "hook up". My son is 17 and he does go there to purchase clothing.
And about the teens who are too young to drive, the age is 16 when they can drive. The age limit at the mall on Friday and Saturday night is 18.
I understand why they are doing this. I hate going to the mall during those times, but they really need to consider lowering the age to 16.
Posted by njbruns on October 9, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with "blahblah". My son will soon be turning 16. He does not currently go to the mall uless he and his friends are going to a movie. I am appalled that our 16 and 17 year olds are being treated like second class citizens. I refuse to believe that the majority of our older teens are "miscreants". I am raising a good kid as are his parents. How is he to learn any independence, If he can't even go to the mall without his mommy. While it is not the responsibility of the mall to raise my child it does take a village. In the above article "Typically, she said, the most disruptive are the 12- to 14-year-olds who "come in and feel they have to prove something." 12-14 not 16-17. We have 17 year olds taking college courses and now they can't go to the mall on a Friday night with there friends to dream about the purse they want to save for, to talk about new styles the do or do not enjoy, to meet new friends. Maybe if abilene would put together more cost friendly activies for our youth they would "hang out" somewhere else. Now those "miscreants" are just going to go somewhere else, because they were not held accountable for there actions that they supposedly did that the mall that "intimidated" people. We all suffer, which is why I love this town!
Posted by njbruns on October 9, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oops... as are his friends parents
Posted by bulldog2 on October 9, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it should be under the age of 21. I think this is a great idea. Hope it works. There are some strange, strange people hanging around inside and outside of the mall. Beware around Best Buy and the alley between them and El Chico. Looks like it's Halloween everyday.
Posted by benchwarmer on October 9, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good move, now if they would pass s rule to keep those of us that would like to shop in the mall from being ran over by the mall walkers, getting their exercise, some of them are so rude if you get in their way, or am I rude for trying to shop, and i get in their way. I wish they would limit the mall walkers to walking before business hours.
Posted by Collie on October 9, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
But what is the age that is considered an adult.......18!! I know some don't think that it is fair but all it takes is one thing and one person do change everything for everyone. You get 16 yr olds there and they can't be respectful to others. Yes, some can and some can't but instead of saying only gang members or those who have caused trouble are banned from the mall.......anyone under 18 has to have a parent.
Posted by Kingnutin on October 9, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a fantastic idea. I make it a point never to visit the mall after hours, especially on the weekends. Most (not all, but most) of those kids there are way out of control.
On the flip side, the few times I really need to go there on the weekend evenings, many of the kids were good for a laugh. The emo's with goth makeup, pants that take two steps to move one leg because they are so big, chains hanging all over their person (clothes and face). My wife hates it when we go there in the evenings because I just can't contain my laughter.
The mall is not a babysitting service, which is what some parents take it for.
Posted by GreenArrow on October 9, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
it seems to me that all you people are throwing a fit just because you lost your FREE babysitter....
Posted by ZDub on October 9, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is a little harsh to ban 16-17 year olds. If you can drive you should be allowed to go to mall on a Friday/Saturday night. I have found many times that it is the younger kids that cause most of the problems anyways. While in college I worked at the Finish Line and groups of 14ish year old kids would come in and basically take the store over being loud and disruptive. Of course when I would ask them if I could help them they would say, "no we are just looking." Finally our manager would have to ask them to leave. 16-17 years olds aren't the problem, it's the 12-15 years olds that get dropped off by the parents so their parents can get rid of them for a couple of hours on a Friday night.
Posted by TexasTwister on October 9, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you'd like to save some time, most of these comments have already been posted here... http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008...
It seems mommakelly still doesn't understand the plainly stated theater policy even after having it explained to her numerous times.
Posted by Patriot on October 9, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Again the minority of the youth that act this way is giving all youth a bad rap. This is just one more reason not to go to the mall.
Posted by Patriot on October 9, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I sure hope I don't wear something that someone else doesn't like, it may get me banned from the mall even if I am over 18.
Posted by blahblah on October 9, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually Collie, the legal age for kids is 17. At 17, they can legally get married without the parents consent. They can legally move out of the parents house on their own. They can legally fight in a war.
I really do think it is a good idea also. They just need to lower the age to 16 in my opinion.
bulldog---just because someone does not dress like you does not mean they are a bad person. You shouldn't be so quick to judge what someone looks like or what they wear. Everyone has different personalities and for the most part, it comes through in what they wear. Nothing wrong with that.
Posted by blahblah on October 9, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What about the mall walkers? I have been almost run over by them several times. They stated "the mall is a place to shop". They are not shopping.
Posted by rlc00b on October 9, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you want the age to be lowered, call the mall office. If enough people do it they might lower the age. I've already called and the rule doesn't even apply to me or my children. I hate to go to the mall on weekends but it's not because of the 16 and 17 year old, it's because of the tweens/early teens that act like they have something to prove.
Posted by txcwbyus on October 9, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One Blogger is right, if a young person can serve Our country at the age of 17, he/she should be able to enjoy the Mall on his/her own during Mall Hours.
I can see both sides though,the Mall is not a "Baby Sitter" for rowdy teenagers. Please note, not all teenagers are rowdy.
How is the Mall to police the situation? Will they be IDing kids prior to entry? Will they have to have an Wrist Band to show they are under 18? Why don't they charge admission to enter the mall, after 5PM. They could use the monies to hire more Mall Monitors, and/or Distribute the monies equally to Mall Businesses!!!!
I am playing Devil's Advocate here. What Abilene needs is to invest more in Activities/Facities that are TEEN FRIENDLY. Places where kids are welcomed. Should we leave solutions to the Private Sector, or should we request the City/County, and/or Non-Profit Organizations develop the Facilities.
I suggest We find out from the Teenagers how an ideal facilty would be designed, and could be profitable for the Developers.
Where will Teenagers go in Abilene other than the "Skate Park"?
This is just another step towards a "POLICE STATE". I don't like it. Solutions should be found.
I am not a Smoker, however I feel that the Smoking Band that exists is not a fair one. It should be left up to the Individual Business Owners if their business should allow Smoking within it's doors. If customers do not want to frequent their estabishments because of it, then it is the businesses loss.
Another example of a Police State.
Posted by crazydude on October 9, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This wont last long if they lose money. But lets face it most of the kids that really cause trouble cant get to the mall, because their parents dont have time or money to drive them out there.
Wal-Mart will be the #1 hangout spot now for teens in Abilene.
Posted by mommakelly_64 on October 9, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Texas Twister-Twist off, I read it, no one had to explain it to me once or according to your post several times. It's stupid that 16 and 17 year old kids can work in the mall but not eat dinner in the mall on their break which is probably 15-30 minutes long. Even in this story they say the problem is the under 16 crowd. I don't use the mall as a babysitter and I don't go to the mall because I used to work in the mall and it sucks. The stores are too expensive, the kiosk people practically attack you and the rents are so ridiculous that local people can't afford them. So don't talk to me like I'm 12, just go on about your business.
Posted by justme on October 9, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps there is a need for a place in Abilene for these children to socialize and not be on the street.
Posted by mgmjk on October 9, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yea, I think the mall walkers act like they own the mall. They look at you like get out of my way. They sure aren't buying. I do think that the new teenage rules are a good thing. These creepy looking teens and tweens do not need to be hanging out in the mall. You people with younger kids aren't doing yourself any favors by letting your kids just hang out there for hours. It is trouble waiting to happen. I say go for it mall. At least you won't have to mess with them and people trying to shop won't either.
Posted by weeman on October 9, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Children under the age of 16 should not be left by themselves at the mall...period...end of story...he fades back and *swish* ....touchdown..thank you and goodnight...
Parents, regardless of what you think of your child, 9 times out of 10 they are not the same little angels you love and cherish so much, when left by themselves. I have an 18 year old daughter so i do know what im talking about here. Plus, low and behold, i used to be one myself. I know that kids will be kids when unsupervised (when the cats away, the mice will play). Im not saying ALL teenagers are like this...but majority rules...and the fact still remains that you shouldnt use the mall as a babysitter. It seems to me that the ones that are upset, are more than likely the ones that leave their under 16 child at the mall by themselves........
Posted by hardtohandle69 on October 9, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe the kids need a YMCA?
These comments are boring.... Lets spice it up...
The parents who drop off the kids should just give their kids a couple of shots of Patron to put them to sleep early.
case closed???
Posted by mabynot1539 on October 9, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
njbruns
Yes. It does take a village but I bet if anyone tried to tell your child how to behave, you would jump all over them like "white on rice" and tell them to mind their own business.
Posted by johnboy on October 9, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
YEP PEE!!! Now all we need in this town is a curfew for teens!!!
Posted by rsjz4 on October 9, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"At about 7:38 p.m. Wednesday, Officer Chris Herd was at the Mall of Abilene for a shoplifting call. While Officer Herd was investigating the first call, in an unrelated incident, a 40-year-old black male was seen taking merchandise and leaving the store without paying for it. Officer Herd followed the suspect, who dropped the merchandise in the parking lot and fled on foot. The suspect was caught and arrested for class BM theft and evading arrest."
I guess we need to ban 40 year olds, too!
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
johnboy- that's a fan-ta-bulous idea!!!
I LOVE it!
Maybe that will curb the vandalism that's been going on lately too.
yippee-ya-yeh-ka-yay!! Now I can go to the mall on Saturday evening & not have to worry about all those little 'angels' running around everywhere!!
yeah- right they are 'shopping' you rarely see any of them w/shopping bags.....
Posted by nanaspeak on October 9, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They are only limiting them between the hours of 5 pm and 9 pm on friday and saturday nights. What's the big deal? They are a privately owned business and can do this if they want to. If kids want to go to the movies on friday or saturday nights they can still do so. If your kid wants to shop on friday or saturday night, just go with them.
Posted by mizthang on October 9, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
crazydude, the majority of the kids are not buying anything but snacks/drinks anyway. If the Mall is dependent on that, then there is a big problem. If they are there to shop, let them shop, eat,then go elsewhere. I'm glad I don't have to go there with the exception of a movie, I don't like dodging kids running, fighting & cussing. Parents, come up with another solution for the kids.
Posted by karla.martin on October 9, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay, let me see if I have my math right. The Mall is open from 10:00 a.m. til 9:00 p.m. Mon-Sat and 12:00 til 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. This makes the Mall open 72 hours a week. Now, kids get out of school at around 3:00 p.m., and counting the weekends, this gives the kids a total of 47 hours out of the week to spend at the mall. Now the Mall is requesting 8 of the 47 hours with kids to be supervised. So that leaves 39 hours for the kids to 'hang out' without parents. Hmmmmm.....to me that's a lot of time for kids to be at the Mall. I still think it's silly everyone is getting so bent out of shape over 8 hours of supervision at the Mall.
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know what you mean Karla. I think it's mainly the parents or guardians who used the mall as a sitter until 9 every Saturday. Now, it's a major inconvenience to them. Now they'll have to find somewhere else to drop their kids off.
I think it's funny how alot of these people are getting their panties all in a wad over this.
It's really not a big deal. It's just a few hours people!
Posted by responsiblemom on October 9, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with the malls decision. If all parents would teach their children to respect authority, adults, other children, and the property of others the mall wouldn't have to be making this decision. These teens don't need to be left unsupervised anyway. As for the comments about there needing to be other things for the teens to do, most churches have youth groups that stay pretty busy doing fun and positive activities with good Christian supervision.
Posted by mommakelly_64 on October 9, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just that the few hours that 16-17 year olds have available are the ones they can't go because it's the only time they don't have homework, practice, jobs, games etc. My kids are in activities during the week and on Friday nights (most Fridays) and I don't think it is outrageous that my kid can drive to, shop at and even make a living at the mall, but not during the only times that she has time available to her. All of you people that don't understand the problem don't because you either don't have kids that age or just don't care.
I still think it is stupid especially for the kids that work at the mall on Friday and Saturday nights (because that's usually the only time they have free) but can't eat or shop on their breaks.
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do have kids that age & I do understand, but I don't think it's such a big deal! My goodness.
Mall management had to do what they had to do. It was obviously a big problem. I remember it being that way when I was in high school, & that was in the late 80's early 90's. So they've had a good run, now unfortunately things must change & I think for the better!
So kudos to the mall!
Posted by lkenmac on October 9, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So a "kid" under 18 can get married, have children, work to make money to support the family but can't spend the money at the mall of abilene? The State of Texas says you can drive a vehicle but the mall of ablilene says you can't come there? A lawyer is not even going to have to be a smart lawyer to cost this place some money and very bad publicity.
Posted by geng on October 9, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel that it is unfair to first the merchants who sell out the mall. As we all know that many teenagers have lots of disposable income because most of their parents still provide for their basic needs. With the restrictions that you have placed on the teenage population they have caused them to loose there valuable independence and freedom. This will defiantly cut down on profits.
I feel that it is unfair to the teenage population of this area. Now I know that there have been a few fights and some poor behavior on behalf of the teenage population but should all have to suffer for the bad actions of a few.
I will be boycotting the mall until this decision is reversed for I feel that it is unjust.
Posted by weeman on October 9, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No lawyer will touch this....unless you get K. Parker ...lol
Posted by weeman on October 9, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thats Q Parker..my bad..
Posted by nmdad on October 9, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't the kids just go to the other mall. No, wait, Abilene only has one mall. As far as the babysitter comments who is the sitter? The mall cops? The reason so many are upset with this is because there is probably only a very small percentage of kids who cause issues, so the 2 percent that do will ruin it for the 98 percent that don't.
Posted by Texan55 on October 9, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
With the world situation, I cannot believe this is even an issue. Thats whats wrong with the world, people's priorities are misconstrued. It's not the end of the world if your kids can't hang out at the Mall for 8 hours a week!! Get Real!
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a question. Where did my comments go? I have commented on this story several times and there isn't not one on here?
Posted by saltydog on October 9, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this a great idea. However, I never go to the mall anymore now that there is a free standing Chick-Fil-A. If you are 17, and in the military you should be exempt from this rule.
Posted by saltydog on October 9, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also exempt if you work in the mall.
Posted by geng on October 9, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will be protesting next Friday outside the mall. L@@K for me!
Posted by Reagan_Bush08 on October 9, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While you're protesting please wear a shirt that says "mallrat"
Posted by geng on October 9, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll "mallrat" you! :P
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LMAO I was on the original stroy one! I was confused.
Posted by geng on October 9, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is age discrimination! By the way I am going to have all of the teenagers who are not allowed in the mall outside the mall protesting with me so this is not going to work!
Posted by Reagan_Bush08 on October 9, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Somebody has to be Silent Bob during the protest or it just wouldn't be right.
Posted by c_l_bolton on October 9, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a student a local university. As I read this story and the comments that followed, I thought about a classmate of mine whose parents enrolled her in Kindergarten at a young age. She did not turn 18 until October of her freshman year at college. I know of several other students like her. What about people like that? I can not imagine being a student who is mature enough to move hundreds of miles away from home and live alone while attending college and then not be allowed to shop at the mall. I think it is a great idea for children 16 and under but beyond that, the policy is a bit outrageous.
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
now that c_l_bolton I agree with! That would infuriate me!! I think everybody agrees that the age should be dropped to at least 16!
Posted by txtechbigXIIchamps on October 9, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that it is a good idea. It probably is true that the parents who are against this could be the very ones who just send their kids up there so they don't have to watch them. It's embarassing to see misbehaving kids who don't know how to act in a place where adults are at.
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
that is very true but there are some adults that don't know how to act either, and THAT my friend is emarassing.
Posted by abilene1 on October 9, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why are you protesting? There are so many issues in this world that would require protest. Human rights are violated daily and children starve, so you are going to use your time to protest because the mall has a rule you don't approve of.
Shop elsewhere. If the mall management chooses to exclude 17 and 18 years from entering the mall during certain times, let them harm themselves.
And no, 8 hours a week will not hurt the mall financially, what will hurt financially is the other open hours during the week that people will not attend just on priniciple. Those are the hours that will hurt the bottom line.
Posted by blueneck on October 9, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
See http://www.mallofabilene.com/info/par...
"Youth Employment -- Individuals under the age of 18 working in the mall will be granted access without an escort. Proof of employment will be required, and they must report directly to their job and leave once their shift concludes, if after 5 PM."
*"leave once their shift concludes"*
How shortsighted, overbearing, and stupid is that? Yep, you are are responsible enough to hold down a job, but we don't want you here unless you are working just because you are in the wrong age range. We don't want your money, we don't want you to be here. Right.... There are other similar little gems of arrogance scattered throughout the "rules".
All the mall would have to do is add "loitering" to the rules of conduct and hire enough guards to enforce it. No need for this "family friendly" spin. Toss out and ban the trouble makers. Leave everyone else alone.
But, no, it is easier and cheaper to ban everyone of a certain age group.
Notice also it says "Mall of Abilene reserves the right to increase and/or reduce the dates and times of these restrictions. " I reckon this is a trial balloon for increased restrictions.
Posted by rsjz4 on October 9, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by blueneck on October 9, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Toss out and ban the trouble makers. Leave everyone else alone."
THANK YOU, BLUENECK! THAT IS THE POINT I HAVE BEEN TYRING TO MAKE ALL ALONG.
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While they are at it why don't they go ahead and add in there that you can't have saggin jeans down to your knees and bandanas, and shorts that up your butt and shirts that show everything off. I think they need to be more worried about some of those isues AND ban the trouble makers and leave everyone else alone.
Posted by rmsj67 on October 9, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a parent myself I never could understand those who let their kids roam without supervision. I would be more afraid of something happening to my son than him doing anything wrong (okay so he is my little angle), but I would NEVER drop off my son somewhere without knowing who he is with, where he was going, what time he would be home, how was he getting there, and what kind of adult supervision (another parent,teacher, youth paster, etc) was there. If I didn't like the answers to any my questions he didn't go. I have a friend who is the same way and many times she's been told she is "mean" and "unfair", but at least we know our kids safe and out of trouble.
Posted by david27271 on October 9, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is absolutely stupid. I remember when I was that age going to the mall to hang out with friends and we never caused problems. I agree that CHILDREN should be accompanied by an adult but to me I think that should be anyone that is 15 years old or under. Most 16, 17, 18 year olds go to the mall to spend money, not to raise hell. Way to go Mall of Abilene...again...
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can remember when I was younger, I never went to the mall alone. I was never dropped off and picked up later. I didn't even go to the mall by myself until I started driving. I didn't even like going to the bathroom and like having to walk down the long hallway. There were some freaky looking people just standing in the hallway, it's like they were just waiting to do something.
Posted by reddevil130 on October 9, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some people are saying that the driving age is 16. But they also need to think...Yes they can start driving with a permit, but they still have to have an adult in the car with them. The mall is the same thing about the age. So really why lower the age if they still need a parent with them.
I hate going to the mall during those times. That is why I choose not to go anymore.
Posted by mstiah on October 9, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not just ban them for a year if they cause a problem. Enforce a dress code if the "emo" and "goth" stuff is an issue. I personally don't care for either one. I've heard about a kid chased down for what was written on his shirt but it didnt seem to bother anyone that some 14 year old girls behind was hanging out of her shorts. Whats that tell ya? I don't think all these kids are bad, I say toss out the problem causer for a year and see if they learn something.
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good point mstiah.
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ok- & how in the world do you keep up with the ones that were banned from the mall for a year? How do you make sure they are not coming back?
It just comes down to : the 1 bad apple theory. Unfortunately, now all the kids have to pay for how some kids acted while at the mall. May not be fair- but no one said life would be.
Posted by geng on October 9, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mstiah - What’s wrong with emo or goth. Teenagers have always dressed differently. That’s how they developed an identity. Gosh you sound like those people in the 60's and 70's who didn't like hippies because of the way they dressed and those who preachers who though rock and roll was wrong because they didn’t like the way it sounded. Leave the kids alone!
Posted by campbellve on October 9, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you can choose who to discriminate against in your 'private' establishment, how can you not smoke in a 'private' business? I dont smoke, but i still dont understand the smoking ban, or this rediculous mall legislation.
But its great cause NO ONE will be at the mall on a friday or saturday now, including me.
Posted by melissaba8 on October 9, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been at the at the mall during these times and at other times, some not all of these kids are rude they run smack into and not even apologize. I have been there when I have my kids and and they have knocked into them as well. Maybe if they have parental figure there they will behave a little better.
Posted by excited_fiancee on October 9, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK, so here are my thoughts after reading all these comments. I have 2 daughters ages 13 and 14. And yes like some have commented on here that regardless of what I think my daughters are probably not "Angels" when they are away from me. However, as for the mall being my "babysitter" is not true at all. The mall is not the first place that I would choose my girls to hang out at but, like others have commented there is nowhere else for these younger teens to go. I understand that some of the merchants are going to be relieved that their will not longer be kids causing a bunch of noise and being disrespectful. I also agree that the age should be lowered to 16. I think if you can drive and work, you should be able to go to the mall without restrictions. And btw, I don't need a babysitter for my 14 year old daughter.
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
excited_fiancee good post!!
Posted by terrben1956 on October 9, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know how many times I've said I would never shop at Walmart again and I didn't....until I needed something. This won't hurt the mall business and it will certainly make it more pleasant on weekends. It won't hurt those kids to find something else to do for entertainment. What it will hurt is the parents that are expected to keep an eye on the kids or listen to them whine about being bored. God forbid that Abilene parents should actually have to behave like parents....And while 17 and 18 year olds SHOULD know how to behave, too many of them don't, or won't.....I might start shopping at the mall again on Friday and Saturday nights (and give up Walmart again).
Posted by campbellve on October 9, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why not ban them from the mall EVERY NIGHT? why is it just friday and saturday?
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Walmart on weekends makes me want to pull my hair out!!!
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It would be nice if it was all day Saturday.
We get alot of people from all the surrounding towns that come in to get their shopping done, it would be nice for them to be able to enjoy the mall instead of trying to dodge kids running thru the building acting like spoiled, undisciplined, uneducated brats.
Posted by blahblah on October 9, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
reddevil---you usually get your drivers permit at age 15. At age 16, when you get your drivers license, you do not have to have an adult in the car with you.
Posted by mbs0606 on October 9, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe Walmart should ban people that wear wife beaters, have mullets and no teeth. That's disturbing too.
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ya but I think she meant that with your driving permit you have to have an adult in he car with you, not when your 16
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
& while we are at it- let's ban the idiots that go out in their pajamas & house slippers too.
That's so crazy!
my goodness- are you that lazy?
Posted by delgadoharley on October 9, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I DON'T GO TO THE MALL.WHEN I HAVE TO GO, I PARK WHERE I NEED TO GO INTO SO I CAN GO IN AND OUT. I WOULD LIKE TO GO ON ONE OF THESE 2 DAYS JUST TO SEE IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A CHANGE.I STILL WON'T GO TO THE MALL BECAUSE I HATE THE MALL. I REALLY DON'T THINK THIS IS GOING TO WORK BECAUSE ALOT OF THESE KIDS DO GO TO THE MALL TO HANG OUT AND ALSO EAT AND DRINK, AND BUY. ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO DON'T LIKE THIS IDEA JOIN GENG AND PROTEST, WITH HIM, OR JUST GET ALOT OF PEOPLE TO STOP GOING TO THE MALL ALL TOGETHER. REMEMBER THE HOILDAYS ARE COMING UP IF ALOT OF PEOPLE GET TOGETHER AND STOP GOING TO THE MALL, GUESS WHAT (LOSS OF SALES)BUT TO DO THIS IT HAS TO BE DONE RIGHT.IT ONLY TAKES ONE GOOD PERSON TO LEAD THE WAY THEN OTHERS WILL FOLLOW.GENG YOU CAN LEAD BUT YOU HAVE TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY.GOOD LUCK TO ALL, LIKE I SAID I DON'T LIKE THE MALL SO IT DOESN'T MATTER TO ME. BUT STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU ALL BELIEVE IN.AND I BELIEVE 16 AND UP SHOULD BE ALRIGHT TO GO ALONE.
Posted by poole1125 on October 9, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am 17 years old. When I go to the mall, its to shop. The fact that I would get carded for shopping is pathetic. I have a job and my own money that I should be able to spend without my mother by my side. This is ridiculous.
Posted by geng on October 9, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TY delgadoharley - but I dont't now how else to people to listen. email me if anyone has any thoughts - gengerd1@gmail.com
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LMAO abielneres!!! That is the funniest thing I have heard all day!!!
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You've seen them out there too Zoey. They are in front of you at HEB, or at Walmart! The other day, I stopped in at Target on my way home & what do I see? A lady walking in right in front of me wearing the nastiest, dirtiest house shoes I've ever seen!
What in the world?
but I digress- I think this is a good idea. Guess we shall see how the ban works! :O !
Posted by steeda78 on October 9, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The majority of these kids are there to hang out with friends but the other half is there to start trouble and get into fights and break into cars....I know I have had my car broken into at night by these kids. If you have the good kids of the group fine, but the others are ruining it for everyone...oh well. =At least this decision will stop all of that crap that goes on up there. I applaude the decision, no loitering law.
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
abileneres lets protest wearing your PJ's in public!! LOL Everywhere you go... there they are!
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I tell ya!
It's crazy!
Where should we protest 1st?
hee-hee!
Posted by poole1125 on October 9, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it should be 16 and under, regardless. but even at 12 i went to shop or see a movie, not to just walk around. its beyond pathetic.
Posted by Zoey on October 9, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
at walmart that is where it happens the most!
Posted by abileneres on October 9, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm there. I'll be the one wearing spongebob squarepants house shoes!
:)
Posted by mstiah on October 9, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
geng, You sound like a kid. You say its expressing yourself, I say it's a cry for attention. Tight pants, baggy pants, either way they hang of their hips. Personally I dont care how stupid you want to look since I'm not buying your clothes but your right to "express yourself" ends when i have to see your underwear, crack or behind. Gosh, us mean ole old people just ruin it for all you kids!
Abileners, I don't propose to have all the answers, i guess they can certainly monitor who is banned the same time they monitor who is under aged. How do you suppose they will keep up with that? What about the 21 year olds that look 18 or younger, if they don't have an id they get tossed out?
Posted by SYLVIASWEETY on October 9, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't they just send up a news crew to the Mall this weekend so that all of the little ANGELS's can be captured in their full glory. That way parents would no longer be able to say, "Not my kid"
Posted by sbird91939 on October 9, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Kids,
Want to go the mall after 5 o'clock on the weekends? Its easy. Just get pregnant, have a baby, and then bring your child to the mall with you. They can't kick you at since you're the parent escorting the child who is under 18! Who's with me?
Here's hoping Big Brother doesn't come along and delete this
Posted by tc on October 9, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
often i would go with my kids to the mall but then we would split up. once you go throught the id check and police barrier at the door, will they then do random carding in the mall or once in are you okay to shop by yourself? Christmas is coming up and my kids don't want me to see what they have bought for me, same on birthdays. Also, my dtr is 17 and in college now, "mommy" isn't with her so i guess this means she will not be able to go to the mall and shop with her disposable income she earns from the job she has held down since age 15. Ft. Worth here we come I guess.
Posted by teh_freaky on October 9, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it's histerical that people are getting their knickers in a twist over 8 HOURS that unsupervised teenagers can't be at the Mall.
Posted by scarlett on October 9, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Last time I put much thought into it, I was under the impression that young people had some rights also. I guess that is not true in Abilene at the mall. I suppose it is better for teenagers to hang outside the mall or in a parking lot somewhere. What about the nice, considerate kids who look forward to getting their license so they can drive into Abilene finally, and go to the mall? And who have some money to spend? This is ridiculous, but not surprising of Abilene. I believe that I will stay out of the mall myself.
Posted by scarlett on October 9, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mbs0606 has a valid point. What's next? Banning fat people because they take up too much room? Or old people because they walk too slow or can't hear well and you have to talk louder to them? Or maybe they should just ban all bad dressers in general or rude people? I would guess there are more rude obnoxious adults than teenagers anyway. I agree the whole thing is ridiculous and it doesn't affect me or my family, but is another way that our rights are infringed upon in Abilene, America.
Posted by getalife on October 9, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on people you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Most kids that hang out at the mall are not spending money. So this is not going to hurt the malls business. What it is however going to hurt is the parents who have to step up to the plate and start being parents. Kids are not objects to be dropped of and picked up later. The mall and its employee's don't get paid to baby sit. If i were to guess the biggest complaints is coming from parents who are use to dropping there kids of at the mall and not having to deal with them. If you don't want to deal with them what makes you think we do?
Posted by mickolie on October 9, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this is foolish, if you treat kids like animals they may act like such. if those who are able to drive can't shop you lose business. and they have no where to go. i personally don't want a bunch of angry kids roaming the streets and parks because they have no place to go. of course then what? we kick them out of parks,make them stay home and then you complain that they stay home and get fat and antisocial? when i was that age we would hang out at malls and buy some food,a snack,or some coffee,or read at the bookstore. some times go to the arcade or a movie and buy stuff. we spent money and as long as we were civil all was good, is it right to deprive these young people in this manner? if this is a free country than i would rather go back to germany. i do not believe i will shop there any more,there is always internet shopping.
Posted by delgadoharley on October 9, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I THINK IF MICKOLIE, SCARLETT, TC, POOLE1125, CAMPBELLVE, MSTIAH, DAVID27271, RSJZ4, BLUENECK, C_l_BOLTON, ILKNMAC, MOMMAKELLY_64, NJBRUNS, BLAHBLAH CAN GET AS MANY PEOPLE AS THEY CAN AND TEAM UP WITH GENG YA CAN CHANGE THIS. SO COME ON E-MAIL GENG @ gengerd1@gmail.com AND SEND SOME IDEA'S. MY IDEA IS TO GET THE PEOPLE YA KNOW TO STOP GOING TO THE MALL. BUT DO PULL TO LOWERING THE AGE TO UNDER 16, BECAUSE IT'S BECAUSE OF THOSE YOUNGER ONES THAT THIS IS HAPPENING. BUT WHAT DO I KNOW I'M JUST A PERSON THAT HATES THE MALL AND DOESN'T HAVE KIDS UNDER 20YRS. GOOD LUCK.
Posted by abideejay on October 9, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
um, lay off the caffeine and the caps lock dude. If you stir up trouble at the mall, you'll only get yourself booted out for the trouble. Instead of organizing an idiotic protest, why not try writing a letter to the mall? Do yourself a favor though, have someone proofread it. If you send what I've seen here, they'll laugh at it before they feed it into the shredder. If the ADULTS act like adults and intelligently open a line of discussion with the Mall management, then I think you'd get a whole heck of a lot further.
Posted by blueneck on October 9, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you are going to protest, do it the right way. Complete nonviolence and absolute courtesy. The mall can exclude you from their property. That is within their rights.
So call city hall or go there and find out where the right of way is on the streets around the mall. And get a copy of the ordinance(s) regarding protests in Abilene.
In most places you can protest in the part of the right of way that isn't in the street or impeding traffic or causing a dangerous situation for cars or protesters. Nearly all streets have some right of way that is not part of the traffic lanes in the street.
Decide what your goals and purposes are beforehand. Prepare literate literature to hand out to people. Designate articulate people to speak to the media. In other words, don't half - *** do things.
Couple your protest with a boycott and ask people to join in the boycott. In fact a well publicized boycott would probably be more effective. Go to the stores you shop at in the mall and tell them why you and your family won't be shopping there anymore and if they are part of a chain, write to the corporate office.
You may be in for a long haul. Be disciplined and stick to your boycott. Once corporate or government bureaucrats decide on something like this, it takes a lot to change their mind (if they ever do).
Posted by blueneck on October 9, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On a less serious note, it the mall wants to control misbehaving youth, they should hire off-duty assistant principals from local schools as security :)
Posted by SYLVIASWEETY on October 9, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mickolie-
"i personally don't want a bunch of angry kids roaming the streets and parks because they have no place to go."
And the Mall of Abilene does. They have the Patrons and Employees best interest in mind. Maybe these kids should go to the houses of these people who think these kids are ANGEL's.
I challenge all that are against this policy to go to the Mall this Friday and Saturday evening and just SEE what really goes on out there. Count how many teens actually have shopping bags and count how many are just loitering and makeing Patrons and Employees miserable.
Would you leave a group of unsupervised teens like the ones that are causing problems at the mall in your home for 4 or 5 hours? What would you come home to? Would they disrespect you and go through your closets and things, steal from you, make a total mess of everything and call you a B if you complain. What if you had small children there, would you want to expose them to these problem teens? How would you answer their questions of why does that boy have his hand up that girls shirt, or what does **** mean.
Once again, I challenge, go and see for your selves what goes on at the Mall. For those who are not brave enough to wade though all the teens, just park outside the movie theater and watch the show.
Posted by SYLVIASWEETY on October 9, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Right On, getalife!!!!
I'm with you!
Posted by mickolie on October 9, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does not the bible, Ephesians 6:4,< new living translation> say, And I quote, AND NOW A WORD TO YOU FATHERS. DON'T MAKE YOUR CHILDREN ANGRY BY THE WAY YOU TREAT THEM. RATHER, BRING THEM UP WITH THE DISCIPLINE AND INSTRUCTION APPROVED BY THE LORD.? Is it just and Godly to punish the good with the bad? what does that teach if we throw the baby out with the bath water? What should be done is to enforce this foolish new rule on trouble makers and those too young to work and drive. If Abilene is truly a Godly town it should strive to be fair and just. This is, the last I heard, A free country with no Discrimination. So we should be responsible adults and first off teach our children and reward those who are good and then punish the bad. Do not do evil to the innocent. Amen
Posted by MyGirlFriday on October 9, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think people are more upset because like some have said they are losing thier "baby-sitter".
The mall isn't a place for kids to be roaming around. This is a place of business.
It makes me very sad to see the "saggy-pants" boys or the low cut/high cut outfits that these yound kids are wearing gathering at the mall to "hang out".
There have been times that trying to shop is out of the question. The teens gather, huddle or group together in small squads. When you are trying to walk past they refuse to move, run into you or let you past only to talk "trash".
I do agree that teens should be able to go there to shop~but like others have posted you rarely see any of them with shopping bags. As a parent of a teenager I refuse to allow my teen go to "hangout at the mall".
The Mall of Abilene in a place of business....not a baby sitter, not a place to hangout, stakeout or makeout! People need to really think about what they are saying!
Kudos goes out to the Mall of Abilene!!
I bet this will increase sales and make the mall alot better place!
Posted by conserveABI on October 9, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Scarlett, kids do have some rights, but a business proprietor has the right to disallow whomever s/he wants on the property--except when it creates a provable pattern of protected groups. Age is not a protected group.
Posted by mickolie on October 9, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To those who say there thoughts in a civil way< even if i do not agree with what is said> I do commend you and respect you. But to those who bash and insult those who hold a different view I must say is most unbecoming and must ask you if you are acting any better than the teens you so hate? God does not approve of foul speech and such crudeness. We should be holy and lead by example. Is it any wounder so many children have strayed if we sink to such levels? take the plank from your own eyes before you take the spec from another persons eye.
Posted by bobmorgan on October 9, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bring on the drinking and drugging up again. My town doesn't have a mall, let alone anything else. And when you're bored, go get drunk! I almost guarantee the teenage drunk driving rates skyrocket.
Posted by justme on October 10, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My daughter is 16 . Has a job , and bought herself a 2008 car . She works hard for her things and pretty much spends her money on what she likes (usually at the mall ).She is an A student and looking forward to going to college . Now ... This "child " with more than $100.00 a week to spend on clothes , jewerly , books , movies is being told they don't want her money ? Last time I looked at the mall it looked like a ghost town .. Can they afford to tell the 16 and 17 year olds to go away ?
Posted by mickolie on October 10, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen justme
Posted by fmgirl on October 10, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1. I have read from posters asking "what's the big deal - it's only 8 hours". Well, for my 16 yr old, it's a HUGE deal. Please tell me when in her week she can fit in some time with friends or pick something up when she is in school from 7:30 until 4, home to change, then work 5-8 (or later), or if she is off work, doing homework because every OTHER night of the week is a school night. It is just a fact that she, along with many other teenagers lead busy lives and Fri or Sat really MAY be the only time they have (but we may not have the time to go with them). She has more than once stopped in after 8:00, to pick up something she needs for school She has already said..."Hastings, here comes my disposable money.."
2 The general consensus of these posts has been that the age limit is too harsh. I strongly urge everyone to contact the mall office to allow 16 and above to be in the mall without guardians. My biggest concern with this is that the rule states that visual contact must be maintained during "family friendly hours". Like someone else has said...what do we do if we both have different places to go and only so much time to do it in? Will she have to shop with me in my department of JC Penneys, or can I let her go to the Juniors, or shoes,etc by herself without being detained? That goes for my younger teens- will they not be allowed to shop in a different section of the same store?
3. For the Tween problem..what did YOU do when you were their age? I also have children in this age group, and have not dropped them off to "hang" at the mall because it is a personal choice. However, what is there to do in Abilene that is appropriate for kids their age to spend time with their friends? Where did you go to spend time with friends? oh, and while I'm at it..did the older generation think you were a "bad kid" because you wore leg warmers, jeans, had punk hair or listened to the "wrong" type music? People have mentioned Prime Time and miniature golf..but these activities cost lots of money. Church related activities have also been mentioned...but unless you belong to that Church...how would you know? and to be honest not too many of them have things going on Fri and Sat evenings for this age group. (I'd love to be wrong about this - so if you know of something - please share with everyone!) It might be an idea for the Mall or ARN to have an area on their websites or in their entryways listing FREE activities for kids of this age. In my opinion, the kids that are causing the trouble are still going to be "out" at night...but now we're not going to know where they are.
4. I am hopeful that these discussions might open up the city of Abilene's eyes to the growing need for places and things for this age group to do. It has long been known that although there are wonderful activities for the younger children of Abilene, the 10-18 crowd has been left out. (Kudos to the library though for trying to change this with their programs.)
Posted by teh_freaky on October 10, 2008 at 2:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Because the Mall won't let unsupervised teenagers be there for 8 HOURS during the week, the drunk driving rate is going to increase, and all manner of hell is going to break loose?
Contrary to popular belief, there ARE indeed other things that these kids can go do, and other places that they can be right here in good ol' Abilene! Please, untwist your knickers, folks!
Posted by GaryBuseysBartender on October 10, 2008 at 6:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1. The ban is for kids UNDER 18. In other words, 18 year olds can still go.
2. It's only 8 hours! If your kid needs to shop at the mall but they're busy during the week, they can go on Saturday before 5 or all day Sunday.
3. If you need something at Victoria's Secret, go on your way home from work or on the weekend when your kids aren't with you.
4. There are plenty of things for kids to do in Abilene on Friday and Saturday nights, and not all of them involve loitering. In fact, a lot of them involve spending time with your family. If you're with your family, you can even go to the mall.
5. Remember, we are in Abilene, so obviously this is not an original idea. It's been done successfully at other malls across the country, and we are, as usual, just catching up.
6. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that eventually, even on a thread about kids at the mall, someone actually quoted scripture.
Posted by mstiah on October 10, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They will all be hanging out at Ihop till 3 in the morning. I must be getting old and my memory is slipping, I just remembered, they already do that.
Posted by jane_jhereg on October 10, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you, GaryBuseysBartender on all points- especially number 6!
Its only from 5-close on Friday and Saturday nights. You still have ALL DAY Saturday and Sunday to "hang out" and watch movies at the mall without your parents. There are other places to go on Friday & Saturday nights- Prime Time, Play Faire Park, the skating rink- your own house or a friend's house; one can watch movies at home too (not an entirely new concept)...
Frankly if you want to revise the rule- the rule should probably be no children under age 15 shall be unsupervised from Open to 5pm... I normally see the largest groups of young teens during the day- especially during the summer.
As for the teen employee issue. I remember working at the mall- most times if you're working nights after 5- you're usually working till close, so the whole go straight home after work thing isn't really that big a deal. And since most kids (myself included) almost never show up to work early, the idea that they'll be loitering about the mall for an hour or so is kind of hard to believe- so again, another non-issue. If they are working a shift long enough to require a lunch break- they shouldn't get into trouble if they're wearing their employee badge out in the mall when they head out for lunch. So I don't see how this is negatively affecting the teen workers.
I agree that the rule could be modified regarding those aged 16-18, but I don't feel the need to push it. And there's an issue regarding teen parents that is vague and should be clarified. But overall- I support this policy.
Posted by Zoey on October 10, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can understand for the kids that are resposible enough to go to the mall by themselves and for the ones that actually shop, they should be allowed to go, 15 and under should not.
Posted by callmethekimster on October 10, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I work in the mall and here's what I think:
I think that the age limit should be lowered to 16, not 18. If you can have a job at the mall, pay for a car, and drive yourself there - you should be allowed to shop unsupervised.
I do agree with a ban on children under 16 however, and I think that it shouldn't just be on weekends. I have actually witnessed a parent dropping off a boy around 10-12 years old at the Spaghetti Warehouse entrance where he met up with two other boys around his age. This wasn't on a Friday or Saturday either, it was when the mall opened at 10am on a weekday. (It may have been in the summer rather than a school day.) It is not the mall's (or it's retailers)responsibility to entertain or babysit children.
That being said. In some cases, it doesn't matter if parents are with their children or not. Working in one of the clothing stores, I can witness to the fact that a lot of parents simply don't watch their kids even when they are 10 feet away. We've had kids pull fixtures down on their heads, bang around in fitting rooms, yank clothing off of fixtures and tables for fun - all while mom and/or dad shop 5 feet away without reprimanding their youngsters. I'm not even talking about kids that are 9 or older, these parents don't watch their toddlers.
The "Family Friendly" hour is mostly a joke. It will possibly hurt retail sales - especially stores that cater to tween and teen customers on two of the busiest days of our week. The mall is a literal ghosttown most weekdays before 4. There is no company or private place of business that can make bad parents be good parents. No matter what hours or restrictions the mall applies - parents that don't watch their kids either because they're dropping them off or too busy shopping to notice them, will still be those parents.
Posted by mabynot1539 on October 10, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Friday and Saturday nights are the only free time your teenagers have, then why aren't you parents spending time with them instead of sending them off to be with other people?
I will be at the mall spending my money after 5pm.
Posted by mbs0606 on October 10, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
scarlet- I was just kidding in that post. I think that banning youth UNDER 16, would be a good idea. I don't really agree with the under 18 rule. But either way, I don't mind it. It will be a lot more peaceful on those nights.
Posted by blueneck on October 10, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone that looks young is going to be hassled. Anyone under 30 should be prepared to produce ID's. "under the age of" is the only group that it is legal to discriminate against. Most "under the age of" rules are wise. In this case it is discrimination because you can. I see no wisdom, no sensitivity, just happy, happy spin on a unnecessarily broad negative edict.
Posted by gary_p_none on October 10, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...Or be prepared for renewed bouts of vandalism around town on Friday and Saturday nights. From the comments posted, I think some of the parents need to be banned from the mall and convinced not to reproduce any more of their vile offspring!
If you can't properly raise the kids, quit having them!
Posted by forjustalark on October 10, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think banning the older teens is maybe not the best solution to the problem. I do however think that jr. high school kids should be with a parent anyway in all stores all the time.
Posted by earl on October 10, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you know we used to have two malls in abilene and maybe should again one for us old farts that jam up the traffic flow and one for the young'uns to speed race around in .
Posted by earl on October 10, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was at the alley cats on a saturday night listening to an up an coming star perform and of course to smoke i had to go outside , i did see kids "hangin out " and being kids but i did not feel threatened or embarassed by them probly more jealous than anything ,i did have a run in years ago with some late teeners on a sunday at the mall , they were using foul language and racial slurs and i just ask them to stop it in the presence of my children and they did !
It used to be the community as a whole that raised the children and just maybe the whole community should visit and hang out with the kids and incourage with patience , not discourage with impatience ! I know it's hard to remember the years of our youth and the troubles we overcame , I just figure one day they will be us and wonder how they will feel about the kids after them ?
Posted by HoursAway on October 11, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Justme we're ALL REALLY IMPRESSED (really...sarcasm) BUT your precious child can go shopping at a different time! Never did they say they were rejecting money. What it comes down to is the fact that more people are happy about this change then not. Most of you will get over this little pity party, rise up against the mall petition, boycott whatever, and I bet once Christmas time you'll be the first in line for the buy one get one for a penny sale at JCPenny! See ya on black Friday!
And earl - these kids are getting worse then worse that one day you'll begin to see a lot of these teens NOT be okay with you telling them what to do. We have a situation where an older man told a group of kids to settle down at Cheddar's and they jumped him to a bloody pulp in the parking lot. You have to be careful now - these kids are becoming more callous and care less about what their elders think - and it's NOT just the metroplex. That same attitude in the way they conduct themselves in the Abilene mall is exactly why this change was made.
Posted by rsjz4 on October 11, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I drove by the mall Friday at 5 there were 4 or 5 Hereford ISD buses in the parking lot. Per the mall's new rules, those kids will not be allowed. I am sure the Hereford ISD did not have enough 'guardians' to watch them all. So how is the mall going to handle that?? Are they going to turn away all those kids who are probably there eating and spending money??
I think this is a stupid move on the mall's part.
Posted by jane_jhereg on October 12, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rsjz4 re: the school buses - the mall rules do address this issue and they are permitted since school groups come with chaperones.
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