Key facts
- Teens are facing a scarcity of public spaces for socializing this summer.
- Urban designers and youth researchers note a decline in malls and welcoming public spaces.
- Some cities have implemented curfews or 'no unaccompanied minors' policies in response to large teen gatherings.
- Teen advocates argue that these policies unfairly penalize all young people.
- Experts suggest that many public spaces were designed to exclude teenagers.
Teenagers seeking places to socialize this summer are finding that public spaces are increasingly unwelcoming or unavailable. Urban designers and youth researchers point to the decline of malls and affordable hangout spots, leaving young people with few options to gather without money or access to a car. This situation has led to large organized gatherings in cities, which some local officials have termed 'teen takeovers.' In response, some cities have enacted curfews aimed at minors or enforced 'no unaccompanied minors' policies. Teen advocates criticize these measures, stating they are ineffective and unfairly punish all young people for the actions of a few. Experts like landscape architect Patsy Eubanks Owens note that many public spaces were intentionally designed to exclude teenagers. Criminal justice professor Jeffrey Butts adds that vague anti-loitering laws can lead to the disproportionate investigation of teenagers, with racial disparities in enforcement. Young people are increasingly questioning the lack of 'third places'—locations outside of home and school for socializing—that previous generations took for granted. Organizations like the Project for Public Spaces are working with young people to design and implement community spaces, such as The Pass in San Antonio, emphasizing the importance of involving teens in the process.