For generations, the malls have become a staple for teenage hangouts, but on Saturday afternoon, those trying to go to Willowbrook Mall won’t be able to go unsupervised.
According to the Northwest Houston Mall’s website, shoppers 17 and under will be required to be accompanied at all times by a parent or supervising adult who is 21 or older after 2 p.m. until closing, starting Saturday, May 2 and next Saturday, May 9.
The complete guidance, per the mall’s website, includes:
- Visitors 17 years of age and younger are required to be accompanied at all times by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older on Saturday after 2 pm. Parental Guidance Required hours are subject to change during the holiday season.
- Unsupervised youth shopping prior to 2 pm on Saturday evenings must leave the mall by 2 pm or immediately be joined by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older.
- Proof of age may be required for the youth or supervising adult. Those who lack proper identification may be asked to leave the property.
- Valid identification includes a state issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card, or a passport. The identification must be tamper proof and include a photograph and date of birth.
- One adult may accompany up to four youths.* All accompanied youths must remain with the supervising adult.
- Supervising adults are responsible for the actions of the youth they accompany.
Social media activity cited in decision
While unusual in Texas—where similar mall-wide curfews are rare—officials with Willowbrook’s parent company said the decision comes in response to recent concerns.
“This Parental Guidance Required (PGR) program is in response to recent social media activity indicating the potential for disruptive, unsupervised gatherings of youth,” a spokesperson said in an emailed statement…