Dartmouth Mall’s new Parental Supervision Policy begins Friday, July 3, requiring shoppers under 18 to be accompanied by a legal guardian at least 21 years old during weekend evenings. The rules cover the mall and nearly all outside pathways, with security enf
Friday night plans just got tighter at Dartmouth Mall.
The mall announced Wednesday that it will begin enforcing a Parental Supervision Policy starting Friday. July 3. limiting who can be in the shopping center after 5 p.m. on weekends. Under the policy. anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian who is at least 21 years old on Fridays and Saturdays after 5 p.m.
The mall says the policy is meant to “create a more enjoyable shopping environment for all,” and that it is also intended “to provide a secure and family-friendly shopping environment,” according to information posted on its website.
The rules won’t stop at the doors. The policy applies throughout Dartmouth Mall, including parking lots, garages, walkways, and any corridor leading into the shopping center. Stores with exterior entrances are exempt.
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, security officers will monitor entrances. Visitors under 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must either leave the mall or be joined by an adult, according to the policy.
Each adult can accompany up to four minors, but at least one of the minors must be the adult’s child. If a person’s age is unclear, security may ask for identification showing a date of birth.
Mall management also said the policy may be implemented at other times as needed. It added that “Parents or guardians are responsible for the actions of the escorted youth.”
The policy lays out consequences for refusing to comply. It notes that anyone who declines to follow the requirements may be asked to leave and could face trespassing charges.
Dartmouth Mall also tried to reassure staff that the change will not interfere with youth employment. The mall said the policy will not impact youth mall employees’ ability to work. It states that employees under 18 must provide proof of employment and go directly to their workplace during hours when the policy is in effect.
Dartmouth Mall did not respond Wednesday evening to a request for additional comment about what prompted the new policy.
On Facebook, the announcement drew mixed reactions. Some commenters praised the move, saying it would improve safety and discourage parents from leaving children unsupervised at the mall. One user wrote. “About time in my opinion. ” adding that the mall is “not a babysitter for you to drop your kids off at for a while anyways.” Another commenter. who said they are a mall employee. wrote that they were dealing with “disrespectful. preteens and teenagers who have no moral compass nor parental guidance.”.
Others mourned the loss of a longtime teen hangout. One commenter said, “Sad that it’s even come to this. When I was a kid Friday nights at the mall was the place to be.”
Several users also questioned the practical boundaries of the rule. Some wondered why teenagers are allowed to work at the mall without an adult. but cannot shop there unsupervised under the new policy. One person wrote, “Wait. Teen workers are allowed to work unsupervised but not shop unsupervised?. So, they’re responsible enough to collect money, but not spend it?. That’s … a decision.” Another commenter said they support making the mall safer but worried about enforcement. writing. “I support making the mall safer. but it seems like this puts a lot on mall security. Do they have enough staff to consistently enforce something like this?”.
The policy takes effect Friday, July 3, and will begin controlling access after 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays—right when weekend crowds are most likely to rely on the mall as a gathering place.
Dartmouth Mall parental supervision policy teens minors weekend evenings mall security youth employment trespassing charges
So now teens just… can’t exist there after 5? weird.
I saw this and it’s like they’re treating teens as trouble automatically. If an adult has to be 21 and only 4 kids, that’s gonna be a mess for families. Also “legal guardian” sounds like they’re gonna argue with people at the door.
Wait so if you’re 20 you can’t go with your little brother? That part doesn’t make sense, but I guess malls love rules. My cousin said security is gonna ID everyone too if the age is “unclear,” like how do they even tell? Seems like it’ll be more stressful than “enjoyable.”
This is gonna backfire. They say it’s family friendly but it’s basically profiling. And “outside pathways” too? like the kids can’t even walk from the parking garage without a 21+ guardian? Also why do they exempt stores with exterior entrances, that’s gonna make people just loiter around the outside anyway. Security already doesn’t do much at places like this, now they’ll be doing age checks instead.