A psychologist explained the popularity of shopping malls among children

Russian teenagers are increasingly choosing to spend time in shopping malls. Children's desire for food court zones is largely due to their separation from their parents. This point of view was expressed by clinical psychologist Sergey Volkov in an interview with Izvestia.

"At a certain point in time, children need their own space in the outside world, where they strive both psychologically and physically to get out of the family. And then the neurological mechanism of finding a safe space is triggered in the adolescent psyche," he explained.

Previous generations also had a need for such a territory, the source recalled. In the past, teenagers chose entrances and heating pipes for communication, hung out in basements, sat on benches in courtyards and parks.

Shopping malls, according to the psychologist, are suitable for comfortable and safe leisure time. The food courts are warm and bright, and the shopping centers themselves have security and entertainment — fast food, vending machines and themed shops, the expert emphasized. In addition, unlike cafes, where you definitely need to order something, food court areas are free.

For more information about why minors choose shopping malls for communication and how to behave when meeting aggressive teenagers, see the Izvestia article.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.