While growing up in Twin Falls, I’ve noticed it’s hard to spot teenagers hanging out in public, unless it’s at the mall or around their houses. Many entertainment spaces in Twin Falls are oriented to either young adults or little kids, leaving adolescents in the middle with nothing.
This isn’t anything new; many small towns have this same issue. However, Twin Falls is growing, and in my opinion, it’s time we recognize that. We rely too heavily on Twin Falls’ surrounding nature, and without gas money or an interest in nature, it seems like there’s nothing to do. If you’re not into the skatepark or walking mindlessly around the mall with friends, there’s very little to do. I’ve noticed a lot of kids my age would rather do something illegal for entertainment, and I understand it. There is really nothing better to do.
Teenagers are often excluded from public spaces, intentionally or unintentionally. Public spaces often have financial barriers, age limits, or loitering ordinances. “Hanging out” is often treated with suspicion; teenagers have been associated with crime and vandalism. Many teenagers in Twin Falls struggle with drugs and alcohol, Canyon Ridge doesn’t have vape detectors in the bathroom for no reason. I think we should have a city-designated building for teenagers to hang out at. Studies have shown that having a simple rec room can reduce crime, and giving a place to put time into sports or just social interaction will leave teenagers with more choices for entertainment.
Building new spaces for youth will prevent kids from feeling stagnant. Youth spaces have been known to help against feelings of isolation and overall boredom. A lack of social interaction and staying home has been directly linked to depression, something Twin Falls has recently struggled with. I’ve noticed this firsthand; many people feel discontent and bored with the lack of things to do in town. Social interaction is one of the most important aspects of a teenager’s life; meeting new people and meeting with friends helps distract from the struggles teenagers have either at school or at home.
Not only will additional teen choices for entertainment improve mental health, but it may also promote physical health. Simply getting out of the house is healthier than not doing anything at all. You shouldn’t have to sign up for after-school clubs or sports for physical activity. Having spaces for teenagers will promote a less sedentary lifestyle, something many teenagers struggle with.
Having an informal and unstructured environment, or a “third space” from home or school, may sound like a bad idea to some. However, having an area outside of home to unwind and generally just “hang out” gives teenagers a break from the constant uniformed life at school or work shouldn’t be labeled as inherently “lawless”. Teenagers’ mental health is as important as anyone else’s; having a space for socializing can reduce anxiety and feelings of boredom. Not every teenager wants to break the law, and not every teenager wants to rely on substances to have a good time. These spaces give room for teenagers to do activities they want to do and enjoy with other people. There’s a big double standard on teenagers; it’s recommended that teenagers spend an hour a day outside, but many adults are wary of teenagers being outside in town. A space for teenagers can combat this stigma and give alternatives to loitering around.
Twin Falls would benefit from a community and recreational center where teenagers can meet with friends and peers or play sports. Having a community center for kids to hang out at rather than a commercial place like the mall or the skating rink will make social interaction far accessible for those with little to no money. It could also have potential for youth programs and support services, which the city could greatly benefit from and would keep kids out of trouble. Community centers play an important role in keeping the community together, and teenagers are no less a part of the community than anyone else. Not only would a community center bring social opportunities, but it would also improve physical activity. Having places like a gym or a sports court would give teenagers a break from constantly sitting down all day at school and at home.
