Nina Ferentinos
Nina Ferentinos
Atlanta Teens Cutting up?: Curfews, Age Limits and Third Spaces
Atlanta Teens Cutting up?: Curfews, Age Limits and Third Spaces
On Feb. 21, Atlanta teens participated in a takeover of The Battery, a popular mixed-use entertainment district. “Teen takeovers” are events in which hundreds of teens from a specific community designate a hang-out spot to meet at. These gatherings are often unregulated, leading to disruption in the establishments that are “taken over.” These takeovers are indicative of a larger issue: a lack of third spaces for Atlanta’s youth.
The term “third space” was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, “The Great Good Place”. He defined it as a social yet informal gathering place that is distinct from the “first” and “second” places of home and school or work. Examples include cafes, entertainment districts, libraries and parks.
The Battery, adjacent to Truist Park, is home to the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball. This district is a popular hub for baseball fans and general Atlanta residents looking to attend a concert at the Coca-Cola Roxy or dine at one of their several restaurants. These factors make The Battery the perfect location for teens looking for a dynamic third space beyond the classroom and home.
In anticipation of a takeover, the Cobb County Police Department issued a statement on Facebook addressing the social media posts promoting the event. They emphasized their commitment to keep the community safe, positioning the teens as a threat before they could even gather in the district.
“Officers will have an increased presence in the area and will be actively monitoring activity throughout the evening. We are working closely with our public safety and community partners to ensure a safe environment for everyone,” the Cobb County Police Department said. “While peaceful gatherings are lawful, disruptive behavior, criminal activity, or damage to property will not be tolerated and will be addressed appropriately.”
Unfortunately, the takeover was more disruptive than festive and “peaceful,” leading to 17 arrests, including 8 adults and 9 juveniles. The juveniles were specifically charged with theft by taking, loitering and prowling, obstruction and hit and run, and were released to the custody of their guardians.
Two minors, Tyshawn Jemison and Keyshawn Lee, the suspected organizers of the takeover, were arrested on Feb. 25, and received adult charges for rioting. They were booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center before being released. Currently, the case remains active, and additional charges are possible.
On Feb. 27, The Battery issued a statement on their Facebook page in collaboration with the Cumberland Mall and the Cobb Convention Center Atlanta.
“We want to be very clear: we will not tolerate ‘teen takeovers’ or any other unauthorized gathering which promotes or incites violence, vandalism, or public disorder. While we fully support young people having spaces to gather and connect with one another, there is a clear difference between social gatherings and organized disruptive behavior that blatantly threatens the safety.”
Prior to the event, the Cumberland Mall, partnered with The Battery district, issued a temporary curfew in response to previous “takeovers.” The curfew requires all patrons of the mall under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 3:00 P.M.
Alongside Cumberland Mall, other popular places in Atlanta have issued teen curfews, such as Atlantic Station, which has a “strictly enforced” curfew with the same 3:00 cutoff. While many argue that there are spaces for teens, others argue that many of them are adult-centered. Cobb County Commissioner Erick Allen thinks otherwise.
"There are things for them to do. Going and creating destruction and causing chaos is not a fun activity. I think there are things for them to do. I also think it's incumbent on parents to make sure they are counseling their kids and giving them sound advice," Allen said.
While parents needing to counsel their kids on proper etiquette is a valid response, it does not address the root issue. Teens clearly desire to be involved in what is “popular” or "exciting" in their area, and increased restrictions only makes them want to fight harder to be included. This is evident in one of the organizers of The Battery takeover promoting another event.
On social media, Instagram user @shaunwtf._ made a story post promoting a takeover at Cumberland Mall for Feb. 28 at 6:30 P.M., the post captioned “Cumberland Mall Takeover” and “Be there or hear about it.” In response to this, the Cobb County Police Department issued a statement on their Facebook page on Feb. 28 at 9:27 A.M.
“The Cobb County Police Department is aware of social media posts promoting a ‘street takeover,’ described as an impromptu car gathering, in the Town Center at Cobb Mall area and surrounding commercial properties this weekend. We want to be clear: this activity will not be tolerated in Cobb County.”
The user @shaunwtf._ is also a collaborator for an Instagram reel with user @k4pfr, which has amassed 30.4 thousand views with the caption, “POV: PT 2 OF THE BATTERY.” The video shows hundreds of teens gathering at The Battery, some even fighting, as well as several Cobb County Police Department cars.
Since the incident at The Battery, more takeovers have taken place and are continuing to be organized. Rather than imposing more curfews, the Atlanta community should organize to create new spaces for teens to safely gather without disrupting the area. Many spaces within Atlanta have age restrictions.
What message is this sending to Atlanta's youth?
It seems to be communicating that they are unwelcome in their own home.
This new teen third-space must engage the youth, redirect them from adult-oriented spaces and address safety concerns regarding teens roaming outside past curfew. A safe that resembles Level 99 could address all of these concerns.
Level 99 is an entertainment venue that features over 50 immersive game-rooms with unique physical and mental challenges. The venue has both an open and private dining space.
Although it is primarily marketed towards adults, as a DMV native who has experienced the space first-hand, I saw several teens in groups participating in games while adhering to the location’s age requirements. Teens over the age of 15 do not need to be accompanied by an adult.
Level 99 only has locations in Natick, MA; Providence, RI; and Tysons, VA, however they could add a location in Atlanta. All Level 99 locations are designed by local artists, and if a location is established in Atlanta, teen artists could help design the new space.
Introducing a space like Level 99 could adequately redirect Atlanta’s teens into a secure yet free space that allows them to gather with their friends and feel included within their community. Ultimately, most teens just want a space to freely exist and create memories, this is possible to safely do within Atlanta.
On Feb. 21, Atlanta teens participated in a takeover of The Battery, a popular mixed-use entertainment district. “Teen takeovers” are events in which hundreds of teens from a specific community designate a hang-out spot to meet at. These gatherings are often unregulated, leading to disruption in the establishments that are “taken over.” These takeovers are indicative of a larger issue: a lack of third spaces for Atlanta’s youth.
The term “third space” was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, “The Great Good Place”. He defined it as a social yet informal gathering place that is distinct from the “first” and “second” places of home and school or work. Examples include cafes, entertainment districts, libraries and parks.
The Battery, adjacent to Truist Park, is home to the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball. This district is a popular hub for baseball fans and general Atlanta residents looking to attend a concert at the Coca-Cola Roxy or dine at one of their several restaurants. These factors make The Battery the perfect location for teens looking for a dynamic third space beyond the classroom and home.
In anticipation of a takeover, the Cobb County Police Department issued a statement on Facebook addressing the social media posts promoting the event. They emphasized their commitment to keep the community safe, positioning the teens as a threat before they could even gather in the district.
“Officers will have an increased presence in the area and will be actively monitoring activity throughout the evening. We are working closely with our public safety and community partners to ensure a safe environment for everyone,” the Cobb County Police Department said. “While peaceful gatherings are lawful, disruptive behavior, criminal activity, or damage to property will not be tolerated and will be addressed appropriately.”
Unfortunately, the takeover was more disruptive than festive and “peaceful,” leading to 17 arrests, including 8 adults and 9 juveniles. The juveniles were specifically charged with theft by taking, loitering and prowling, obstruction and hit and run, and were released to the custody of their guardians.
Two minors, Tyshawn Jemison and Keyshawn Lee, the suspected organizers of the takeover, were arrested on Feb. 25, and received adult charges for rioting. They were booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center before being released. Currently, the case remains active, and additional charges are possible.
On Feb. 27, The Battery issued a statement on their Facebook page in collaboration with the Cumberland Mall and the Cobb Convention Center Atlanta.
“We want to be very clear: we will not tolerate ‘teen takeovers’ or any other unauthorized gathering which promotes or incites violence, vandalism, or public disorder. While we fully support young people having spaces to gather and connect with one another, there is a clear difference between social gatherings and organized disruptive behavior that blatantly threatens the safety.”
Prior to the event, the Cumberland Mall, partnered with The Battery district, issued a temporary curfew in response to previous “takeovers.” The curfew requires all patrons of the mall under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 3:00 P.M.
Alongside Cumberland Mall, other popular places in Atlanta have issued teen curfews, such as Atlantic Station, which has a “strictly enforced” curfew with the same 3:00 cutoff. While many argue that there are spaces for teens, others argue that many of them are adult-centered. Cobb County Commissioner Erick Allen thinks otherwise.
"There are things for them to do. Going and creating destruction and causing chaos is not a fun activity. I think there are things for them to do. I also think it's incumbent on parents to make sure they are counseling their kids and giving them sound advice," Allen said.
While parents needing to counsel their kids on proper etiquette is a valid response, it does not address the root issue. Teens clearly desire to be involved in what is “popular” or "exciting" in their area, and increased restrictions only makes them want to fight harder to be included. This is evident in one of the organizers of The Battery takeover promoting another event.
On social media, Instagram user @shaunwtf._ made a story post promoting a takeover at Cumberland Mall for Feb. 28 at 6:30 P.M., the post captioned “Cumberland Mall Takeover” and “Be there or hear about it.” In response to this, the Cobb County Police Department issued a statement on their Facebook page on Feb. 28 at 9:27 A.M.
“The Cobb County Police Department is aware of social media posts promoting a ‘street takeover,’ described as an impromptu car gathering, in the Town Center at Cobb Mall area and surrounding commercial properties this weekend. We want to be clear: this activity will not be tolerated in Cobb County.”
The user @shaunwtf._ is also a collaborator for an Instagram reel with user @k4pfr, which has amassed 30.4 thousand views with the caption, “POV: PT 2 OF THE BATTERY.” The video shows hundreds of teens gathering at The Battery, some even fighting, as well as several Cobb County Police Department cars.
Since the incident at The Battery, more takeovers have taken place and are continuing to be organized. Rather than imposing more curfews, the Atlanta community should organize to create new spaces for teens to safely gather without disrupting the area. Many spaces within Atlanta have age restrictions.
What message is this sending to Atlanta's youth?
It seems to be communicating that they are unwelcome in their own home.
This new teen third-space must engage the youth, redirect them from adult-oriented spaces and address safety concerns regarding teens roaming outside past curfew. A safe that resembles Level 99 could address all of these concerns.
Level 99 is an entertainment venue that features over 50 immersive game-rooms with unique physical and mental challenges. The venue has both an open and private dining space.
Although it is primarily marketed towards adults, as a DMV native who has experienced the space first-hand, I saw several teens in groups participating in games while adhering to the location’s age requirements. Teens over the age of 15 do not need to be accompanied by an adult.
Level 99 only has locations in Natick, MA; Providence, RI; and Tysons, VA, however they could add a location in Atlanta. All Level 99 locations are designed by local artists, and if a location is established in Atlanta, teen artists could help design the new space.
Introducing a space like Level 99 could adequately redirect Atlanta’s teens into a secure yet free space that allows them to gather with their friends and feel included within their community. Ultimately, most teens just want a space to freely exist and create memories, this is possible to safely do within Atlanta.