New Chaperone Policy Implemented at Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags St. Louis has reintroduced a chaperone policy that requires children 15 years old and younger to be accompanied by an adult after 4 p.m. every day. This decision comes as the park is just over three months away from the end of its season, and it has sparked mixed reactions among visitors.
Some teenagers expressed confusion about the rule, arguing that maturity should be the determining factor rather than age. One teenager shared, “It should be based off how the person acts really, because some people can be more mature than they seem.” This sentiment highlights the debate around whether the policy is fair or necessary for all children.
On the other hand, many parents support the new rule, emphasizing the importance of child safety. A mother with season passes to the park said, “Kid safety is really important and it’s not going to really effect anything that I’m doing with my kids because we’re still going to come here and enjoy it. I keep tabs on my kids, and it’s just another step of accountability.”
Elizabeth Gotway, a spokesperson for Six Flags St. Louis, explained the reasoning behind the policy. “The reason for doing it now versus at any other time is really for the consistency,” she said. The policy also allows one chaperone to accompany up to 10 children, and the adult does not need to be with the kids the entire time. Instead, the chaperone must be reachable within the park.
Gotway added that groups of children who appear younger may be asked to show identification at the front gates. She also noted that the policy aims to address situations where kids might face challenges during their visit. “If kids are in a group and someone loses their money, someone’s not feeling good, or they get into a disagreement after being at the park for six hours and are tired of each other, those situations help to have someone readily available for them,” she said.
Despite the support from some parents, teenagers who frequently visit the park argue that the rule is unfair. They claim that 15-year-olds are generally well-behaved and do not require constant supervision. One teen remarked, “I don’t really see kids running around, especially 15. I could see 10 or under, but at 15, most are well behaved at that point.”
Parents, however, believe the change is necessary. One father commented, “Parents just drop their kids off and let them run around, especially in the summer time. So I think this is gonna come down on that.” This perspective reflects a growing concern about ensuring that children are properly supervised during their visits to the park.
Six Flags officials have stated that the chaperone policy will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The goal is to create a safer environment for all visitors while maintaining a positive experience for families. As the season continues, the effectiveness of the policy will likely be evaluated based on feedback from both parents and teenagers.
