Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School students say a new policy barring unaccompanied minors from Westfield Montgomery Mall after 3 p.m. punishes all teenagers for the actions of a few.

The mall's "Parental Guidance Policy" took effect Sept. 28. It requires anyone under 18 to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone at least 21 years old from 3 p.m. until closing, seven days a week. The rule applies to both interior and exterior common areas at Westfield Montgomery, at 7101 Democracy Blvd., and at Westfield Wheaton.

B-CC student Maksim Najdov told the B-CC Tattler, the school's student newspaper, that he was stunned by the restriction. "Quite frankly, I was pretty outraged," Najdov said. "I think they're taking away our rights as young people."

Classmate Eli Cooperman questioned whether the mall can actually enforce the rule, telling the Tattler he initially thought it was a joke.

The policy followed a string of violent incidents. On July 31, a 17-year-old allegedly shot and injured a 13-year-old inside Westfield Wheaton, according to Bethesda Magazine. That shooting happened after 3 p.m. Earlier, on Feb. 4, nine teenagers were charged in connection with a stabbing at the same mall, the Tattler reported.

Fox 5 reported that a fight at Westfield Montgomery earlier in the summer involved someone displaying a gun, alongside other shoplifting cases, burglaries and assaults.

Westfield spokesperson Heather Menis said in a Sept. 21 statement to Bethesda Magazine that the company had "experienced an increase in disruptive behavior by a small minority of younger visitors." She said the extra security step would help ensure a safe environment for families and retail partners.

Under the policy, one adult may supervise no more than four minors. Adults may be asked to show a valid ID. Teens who work at the mall are exempt. Violators who refuse to comply could be removed, banned or charged with trespassing by Montgomery County police.

The Montgomery County Department of Police said in a Sept. 22 statement to The MoCo Show that enforcement falls on the mall. Officers step in only as a last resort when someone needs to be trespassed.

Westfield Montgomery closes at 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sundays, meaning the curfew window stretches up to six hours on weekdays. The mall's official policy page states the restrictions will remain in effect indefinitely, though management may adjust hours during the holiday shopping season.