[Lincolnian]

The same thing was going on at the Buckland Mall a few years ago. Parents used to just drop their kids off with little or no money for the evening on the weekends. It was no surprise that vandalism, shoplifting, fights, etc. became a problem.

Many of the parents didn't want to know about the problems because they were happy with the fact that they found something to do for their kids to get them out of their hair for a few hours (reality).

There were news stories that the mall was stepping up security, limiting the ability of kids to hang out, etc.

I don't know if it is still a problem because I haven't been to Buckland Mall on a Friday or Saturday night in a few years.

I do know that several people go to nearby Evergreen Walk on the weekends and haven't seen or heard of any teen problems there.

[andthentherewere3]

I read on Ctpost.com that they are publishing a story Sunday in the paper about several Ct. malls, and the problems they have with teens.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by Lincolnian

The same thing was going on at the Buckland Mall a few years ago. Parents used to just drop their kids off with little or no money for the evening on the weekends. It was no surprise that vandalism, shoplifting, fights, etc. became a problem.

Many of the parents didn't want to know about the problems because they were happy with the fact that they found something to do for their kids to get them out of their hair for a few hours (reality).

There were news stories that the mall was stepping up security, limiting the ability of kids to hang out, etc.

I don't know if it is still a problem because I haven't been to Buckland Mall on a Friday or Saturday night in a few years.

I do know that several people go to nearby Evergreen Walk on the weekends and haven't seen or heard of any teen problems there.

The Buckland mall has gotten better on Fri/Sat night, but I still won't go near it. Last time I was there about 6 months ago, arrests, chaos, "thugs" hand cuffed being held against the railings, security teams running around etc. It was a freakin zoo. My wife and I walked out.

The problem with the Manchester mall is it has direct bus service to Hartford, and that's the traffic they get on Fri/Sat night...ghetto thugs.

[Lincolnian]

Originally Posted by andthentherewere3

I read on Ctpost.com that they are publishing a story Sunday in the paper about several Ct. malls, and the problems they have with teens.

I'm not surprised. As a middle school teacher I often hear the kids talk about their plans for or what they did on the weekends. Their escapades at the mall and movie theaters are deplorable.

Again, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out if a parent leaves their teen at a mall with little or no money they are most likely to get into trouble.

Lake Compounce and Six Flags are other problem zones. A $65 season pass and you've got a great place to send your kid for the whole summer. Many parents take turns dropping off large groups of kids early in the morning and picking them up late in the afternoon or evening.

I know for a fact that many give their kids little or no money for food. Lake Compounce has free soda and the kids drink free soda all day with little or no food.

The weekends are even worse. Things used to be a lot better when a season pass only allowed 6 visits. If you wanted more you had to buy another pass.