The behavior of some unaccompanied minors has led to a growing trend of U.S. theme parks implementing chaperone policies especially when it comes to Halloween events.
The large group of Six Flags parks, as well as Busch Gardens and SeaWorld have all implemented similar policies. These rules require teens, usually under the age of 16, to be accompanied by an adult 21 or over after 4 or 5 pm. While the idea of a chaperone policy may provide a safer environment for all guests, it has also come with its share of criticism.
Enhanced Safety and Security
The primary benefit of chaperone policies is ensuring the safety of both teens and other park guests. Theme parks are massive, often crowded spaces where supervision can be difficult. Having adults present ensures that teenagers are monitored, reducing the risk of accidents, unsafe behavior, or involvement in criminal activities. By requiring an adult to be present, parks create a layer of accountability, which can theoretically lead to a more controlled environment.
There have been several incidents where groups of unaccompanied teens have engaged in disruptive behavior, causing distress to other guests. Six Flags Over Georgia reported an incident earlier this year where a series of fights occurred among teens within the park and a 15-year-old in possession of a firearm was shot by police just outside of the park. At World of Fun, a brawl involving 100-150 teens broke out in April of 2023. Most of the teens involved in the incident were found to be unaccompanied. Chaperone policies help mitigate these behaviors, as the presence of an authority figure can discourage teens from engaging in misconduct.
Improved Guest Satisfaction
For many visitors, theme parks are about enjoying a day of relaxation and fun with family and friends. The presence of unsupervised teenagers can sometimes detract from this experience, especially if those teens behave inappropriately. Chaperone policies can lead to fewer disturbances, resulting in happier guests who feel that the park is a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone. While there isn’t much research to show whether these policies help or hinder guest attendance, theme parks often thrive on repeat business. Keeping guests satisfied and feeling safe while enjoying the park is key to their long-term success.
Inconvenience for Families and Guardians
The downside to the newly enacted chaperone policies is the added burden on parents or guardians who may not be able or willing to accompany their teens. While some parents enjoy spending time at theme parks, others might prefer to let their teens explore independently. For working parents, scheduling time to chaperone could be a challenge, making it harder for teens to visit the parks. This inconvenience could lead to fewer visits from families who are unable to meet the new requirements.
Another drawback of implementing chaperone policies is that it limits the independence of teenagers. Many teens, who are not engaging in negative behaviors, enjoy theme parks as a place where they can hang out with friends. Requiring an adult to accompany them may stifle this independence, potentially discouraging teens from visiting the parks altogether. Additionally, many teens who might have held a season pass may not do so if they cannot be at the park on their own.
Chaperone policies for teens in theme parks come with both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, they enhance safety and prevent disruptive behavior. On the other hand, they limit teens’ independence and inconvenience families. As more parks adopt these policies, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on both guest satisfaction and the overall business.
What do you think? Are parks right for enacting these polices, or do they need to cut back? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
