Pennsylvania's Willow Grove Park shopping mall to add new parental supervision policy
In an effort to keep the shopping mall a "family-friendly" space, the Willow Grove Park will have a new parental supervision policy for visitors 18 and under starting Tuesday, according to the mall's website.
Under the new policy, any visitor under 18 years old will have to be joined by a parent or guardian at least 21 years old Monday to Saturday starting at 5 p.m., and on Sunday starting at 3 p.m. The policy applies to the Willow Grove Park parking lots, garages, mall walkways and any corridor leading to the shopping center, except stores with outdoor entrances.
Mall security will enforce the policy and begin monitoring the entrances to the mall starting at 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and again at 3 p.m. Sunday. The guidelines are now posted at all the mall's entrances.
Willow Grove Park says one parent or guardian over 21 years old can supervise up to four minors, but at least one of them has to be the child of the parent or guardian who is present. The policy also states that parents over 21 years old can escort all of their children.
If security personnel aren't able to determine a child, parent or legal guardian's age, a photo ID from a state agency, school or employer proving a date of birth will be required. Anyone whose age can't be determined and who doesn't have proof of identification will be asked to leave the shopping center.
Willow Grove Park asks anyone who plans to take public transportation to or from the mall to schedule their departures accordingly to adhere to the new policy's timeframe.
Teens under 18 years old who work in the mall are allowed to be without a parent for work purposes if their shift falls during the parental supervision policy timeframe, but must show proof of work status. The mall asks these workers to leave once their shift is over if it falls during the policy's window and they're without parental supervision.
Any children or teens caught violating the new policy or Willow Grove Park's code of conduct and refusing to leave when asked by security personnel could be prosecuted for trespassing.
Long-time employees like Jan Tonon, who has worked at the mall on and off for two decades managing multiple stores, expressed relief over the policy.
"My reaction was, I was thrilled. Because it's really, really hard right now," she said.
Tonon said the behavior of some teens has escalated in recent years.
"Just kids running, yelling, screaming. Running into my stores getting right up in my face, being disrespectful, talking back to me," she said. "Mocking me in my own voice — just disrespect."
Tonon said she's not the only employee who feels this way, and many are looking forward to a more peaceful work environment. Tonon added that mall management called a meeting to inform store managers of the impending policy change a few weeks ago, though the mall has not provided official comment to CBS News Philadelphia.
Abington Police are working in coordination with the mall to support the policy. Deputy Chief of Police Chris Porter said the goal is to reduce nuisance behaviors such as running, screaming and throwing things and ensure a more pleasant shopping environment for all patrons.
Many shoppers are in favor of the new rule.
"I think this is a good policy for right now," said Lucky Snypes, a mother shopping at the mall. She said she hopes it will encourage teens to be more respectful.
Still, some parents are uncertain about the impact.
"I think it could be good, but it also can hurt like kids' ability to come and hang out with their friends," said another mother, who did not share her name. She acknowledged that not all teens are causing problems.
CBS News Philadelphia is waiting to hear back from Willow Grove Park Mall for comment.
