New teen chaperone policy at Kettering shopping center draws mixed reactions

Reason for policy change still unclear

This browser does not support the video element.

KETTERING — A new policy is going into effect on New Year’s Day at Town & Country Shopping Center.

>> Deputies investigating shooting that seriously injured one in Harrison Twp.

The Kettering shopping center announced on Facebook Sunday that a teen chaperone policy will go into effect on New Years Day.

The policy will require anyone under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult when visiting the shopping center. In the post, Town & Country officials said visitors will be responsible for carrying acceptable proof of age, such as a driver’s license, state ID, military or college ID, passport or visa.

News Center 7 has reached out to the shopping center’s property management company for further details behind the policy change and we are awaiting a response.

“I used to come here all the time as a kid. And I think it’s ridiculous to have a chaperone like 18 and under to come here and shop,” Lauren Stark, an Oakwood native visiting the area for the holidays told News Center 7′s John Bedell Monday.

“We’re visiting and we saw that this is happening and we’re like what? That’s ridiculous.”

Kevin Smith of Kettering said he saw the news also on the shopping center’s Facebook post and added he’s also not a fan of the new policy.

“It’s probably a few kids that are causing problems. There are families around here that their kids come to the pet store, to the grocery store for them to pick up odds and ends and now they’re banned because of a few bad apples? It doesn’t sit well with me,” Smith said.

News Center 7 did speak with a person in favor of the new policy who said he thinks kids are in need of guidance.

“I think it’s a great idea because our kids nowadays are outta control. And I think they need guidance and support when they let them out of the house,” Robert Chase of Dayton said.

News Center 7 has also reached out to Kettering police for details on crime and reports at the shopping center and we are also awaiting a response.

We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.