Unruly Teens Prompt Chaperone Policy At This NJ Mall

PARAMUS, NJ - New Jersey mall patrons under the age of 18 will need a chaperone to peruse the Garden State Plaza on weekends, mall officials said in a statement.

The chaperone policy will begin April 28 and take effect after 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the mall’s website reads. One adult age 21 or older may chaperone up to four minors. The limit doesn’t apply to minors under 10 years old, mall officials added.

“Like many shopping centers across the country, we have experienced an increase in disruptive behavior that violates the center’s code of conduct by a small minority of younger visitors,” the statement reads. “Taking this extra step in our security measures will ensure a pleasant and safe environment for our families and every member of our community, as well as our retail partners.”

Mall security and police officers will be checking identification of those suspected to be under 18 at mall entrances, as well as entrances to the mall from the AMC movie theater, restaurants and department stores; those without proper identification will be told to leave the premises. Valid identification includes a driver’s license, ID card, military ID, school ID or passport.

The policy won’t extend to patrons inside the movie theater, officials said; restaurants’ and department stores’ policies may vary.

Designated waiting zones for minors to be picked up by their parents are located at Entrance 1 by AMC Theatres, Entrance 10 on the west side of the property and Entrance 15 by the Food Court.

Garden State Plaza isn’t alone when it comes to parental escort policies. The Cherry Hill Mall traditionally bans teens and children altogether from the mall the day after Christmas due to unruly behavior. Deptford mall has a parental escort mandate for those under 18 after 5 p.m.; the American Dream mall also bars unattended minors under 16 without a chaperone after 4 p.m. Read more: Post-Christmas Teen Supervision Mandate Returns To Cherry Hill Mall