Coastal Grand Mall recently announced a new Youth Escort Policy that will take effect Feb. 23. Students and staff have multiple opinions about it.
The policy will require anyone under the age of 18 be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 21. This policy will only apply to Fridays and Saturdays after 4 p.m, during which time security will begin monitoring the entrances to check for identification. Students under 18 who work at the mall will not have to be escorted.
“I usually go to the mall on the weekends to hang out with my friends, “ freshman Carly Klocke said. “I don’t think it’s a good idea because it teaches kids to not be responsible in the real world.”
She also said no longer being able to go to the mall without a guardian takes her independence away.
“I have my own life with my friends privately and it’s awkward when there is an adult figure around all the time,” Carly said.
A press release from mall General Manager Katrena White said the reason for the policy is “feedback from our retailers and shoppers that have voiced concern about unsupervised youth and inappropriate behavior at the mall on Friday and Saturday nights.”
Some students agree with the policy.
“Four p.m might be pushing it for Fridays, but that could be good,” junior Lasandra Chambers said. “If they’re really young, it would be a great choice to have someone with you.”
Since over 19 million tourists visit Myrtle Beach annually, the policy is especially helpful for those new to the city, Lasandra said.
“If you’re not from here, like me, you may be new to the area and you might need someone to be there with you,” she said, “especially since the mall is huge, people can get lost and confused.”
Physical Education Teacher Briana Harper also fully agrees with the new policy.
“I think it’s great, and I think they should have honestly started that sooner,” she said. “Minors will least likely have something bad happen to them, and they’ll find other fun things to do than be at the mall.”
Coach Harper believes supervision will be best as protection for minors.
“I think this rule will be good for safety,” she said. “What if someone just picks one up and takes them? You don’t want anything scary to happen.”
