Growing up in New York as a teenager, I often find myself with limited options for places to spend my free time. Most of my days are spent either at home or with my grandmother because affordable, accessible places where teens can gather and enjoy themselves are rare. Brooklyn, for instance, offers a vibrant culture, yet it lacks spaces specifically designed for teenagers—many spots are either too childish or too mature for us. We need places we can call our own, where we can socialize, grow, and have fun without breaking the bank.

It's not just about entertainment—having dedicated teen spaces is essential for our mental and social development. According to the New York Department of Mental Health, social isolation among teens can lead to depression and anxiety. Yet, with the current options, many of us are stuck in our rooms or in environments not suited for our age group. Affordable and engaging teen spaces can help mitigate these issues by providing a healthy outlet for social interaction and creativity.

You may be asking: “Why don’t you just hang out with your friends?” Some teens, like me, have social anxiety or disorders that make it hard to socialize with others. Yes I have friends but they are not always available when I want to go outside. Or if they suggest something there are times I cannot afford it which limits the amount of places I can go.

One solution could be to repurpose underutilized areas in community centers or parks specifically for teen activities. Local governments and private organizations could collaborate to establish these spaces with input from teen committees to ensure they meet our needs. This can include spaces for art, sports, music, technology, and simply socializing—each catered to different interests and tastes, yet affordable for all. 

We need New York state and city officials to recognize the gap in facilities for teenagers and take action to fill it. Investing in teen spaces will not only benefit us today but will create a more robust community for future generations.

Please sign this petition to urge New York lawmakers and community leaders to prioritize the creation of affordable and accessible teen spaces across the state. Together, we can make New York a place where teens thrive.