“Teens aren't being responsible and respectful.” That's what we’ve been told countless times — over and over. People have an issue with how us teenagers can't go to certain places because there's not an adult to watch them. For instance, teens in Philadelphia can't go to the Fashion District without an adult. This only causes teens to want to sneak out at night because they have no other options. But isn’t that making the problem worse?

Teens need time to breathe and be themselves. Doing work all day is overwhelming and stressful. Lots of news stories and research talks about how teens are more stressed today than ever. That's why teens need third spaces to go places with friends and don't have to worry about being told what to do. 

Students like to go to a food place, the movies, and other places that they can feel safe. One of my favorite places to go is Chipotle. Unfortunately, a 16-year-old was recently shot in a Chipotle in Philadelphia. People think that teenagers are just trouble but in reality they are just trying to have a place for them to relax. Let's talk about it. Teens should have third spaces to relax and talk.