The Towson Town Center is a popular, family-friendly mall that people of all ages go to hangout and enjoy themselves, but on weekends, in particular, there’s a problem that has surfaced involving large groups of teenagers crowding the mall and creating a ruckus.

Due to complaints from Towson residents about teenagers gathering at the mall after closing times which is 9:00 pm, The Towson Town Center has made a teen curfew stating that those younger than 18 will not be allowed in the mall after 5:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays without a supervising adult 21 years of age or older. The curfew will go into effect on September 16.

In my opinion, as a teenager, although the curfew sounds ridiculous and could be seen as a form of age discrimination, it might be necessary. When you go to the mall to hang out with your friends, you wouldn’t want to have your parents dragging along with you because it wouldn’t be as fun and enjoyable.

Age discrimination comes into the picture simply because the mall, in a way, is saying it doesn’t want teenagers because they are all troublemakers. However, this curfew might be necessary for the safety of families, older shoppers, and the well-being of the mall because it should be viewed as a safe environment for people to enjoy themselves. The mall doesn’t want to lose shoppers who might be intimidated by large crowds of teenagers and the possible problems that come with them.

I asked Alex Smith, a senior at Pikesville High School, if he agreed with the new curfew and he replied, “No – it’s goofy.”   Alex then said that after the policy goes into effect, he would probably not visit the Towson Town Center anymore.

Another teenager, Shamar Laprade, a senior at Franklin High School, was asked if he agreed with the policy.  He said it would probably keep the mall safer.  Similar to Alex, Shamar said he would probably stay away from Towson and maybe go back next year.

Referring to age discrimination, Shamar says, “It’s targeting kids under 17 saying they aren’t mature enough to be out alone.”

Tyrone Taylor, a senior at Towson High school, simply said he doesn’t agree with the curfew and “it’s just adults being adults.” However, set apart from Alex and Shamar, Tyrone claimed he would still go to the mall. When explaining his opinion about age discrimination, Tyrone said that he thinks the policy brings age discrimination but he’s not bothered by age.

On the weekend of September 16, we’ll find out how the other teens will react and handle the new policy.