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Where can young people hang out nowadays?

In light of a recent trend at a Shaw's in Medway, some readers have suggested the need for more “third spaces” for young people.

Medway schools have added more recess time for elementary students as a way to improve the social and emotional well-being. Josh Reynolds/The Boston Globe

By Alex Svenson

February 9, 2024

2 minutes to read

Kids and young people have a lot of energy — and sometimes they need a place to get it all out.

In Medway, middle school students have been flocking to a nearby supermarket, where it’s been getting a little out of control.

According to Medway Middle School Principal Amanda Luizzi, the director of the store contacted her last weekend to inform her about a “troubling trend” involving [Medway] middle school students who visit Shaw’s on half days.

Luizzi said the store director told her around 100 students have been visiting Shaw’s on half days, with many “engaging in disruptive behavior,” which include “building ‘forts’ out of paper towels, riding in carriages and electric carts, knocking over displays, and even stealing merchandise,” Luizzi said.

As a result of the disruptive behavior, Luizzi requested that the families of the students involved speak to them about “the importance of respectful behavior” and the “potential consequences” they could face if the behavior continues.

The incident sparked some conversation among Boston.com readers, noting the lack of third spaces in the Boston area for young people to hang out.

Third spaces are places where people can spend their free time between their usual social environments, such as home and school or work.

“Teenagers need safe public spaces to go especially in the winter. Home is not always an option,” one reader commented.

“This is why it’s important to prioritize ‘third spaces’ — that is, safe public places where you can just exist without having to spend money,” another reader commented.

The City of Boston’s Third Space Lab defines it as “places that contribute to our collective well-being. These include everything from parks to barbershops to coffee shops.”

Greater Boston has an extensive array of parks, but cold New England winters prevent these many outdoor places from serving as a year-round third space.

Another option would be Boston’s network of public libraries scattered across the city’s 23 neighborhoods. However, libraries may provide a good space for young people to spend time reading or studying, they are not the ideal high-energy environment.

There is also the option for young people to go to one of the numerous malls in Massachusetts.

However, as a reader commented, “[M]alls have famously been teen hangouts, but many are on the decline or unobtainable without a driver’s license or a ride from mom and dad…it would be great to see towns coming up with creative ideas for spaces.”

We want to hear your ideas: Where can young people hang out today? Is there a community center or social club in your area? What’s the third space that’s open and available to young people? Is there a winter-friendly space?

Share with us in the form below or e-mail us at [email protected] and your response may appear in a future Boston.com article.