The Situation in No Kids Zones That Is Causing Social Confusion

Opinions held by businesses and parents with children

Reporter Kim Kyu-young

kyuyoung0409@naver.com

The number of 'No Kids Zones' in many businesses is increasing rapidly compared to last year. No Kids Zones are areas that prohibit access to children, usually up to the age of lower grade elementary school children. Although the age is not legally set, businesses can arbitrarily restricts access. Unfortunately, the debate around No Kids Zones is getting worse. It is said that it is not just a problem for children, but also a problem concerning parents' education methods. It is a problem that we have to think about seriously because it can grow into a social problem.

There are many different opinions between business owners and customers. Some customers say that they have a right to eat in a quiet environment because they pay for it themselves. Also, it is better to restrict access to children of a certain age because they are not controlled effectively by their parents. Customers and parents who have young children can fight rather loudly and cause social confusion, and customers who hate noisy environments may decide not to enter the restaurant. In that case, the restaurant's sales will drop. It can cause confusion for many people, as well as making noise around them. On the other hand, it is also unfair for parents who have children. It is normal for children to be loud and unruly when they are very young, but if our society tries to stop it, it could harm the children. Society does not understand that there are different types of children. At times, parents want to take their children out for delicious food as a treat, but if the children find out that society does not accept them, then they can be harmed psychologically. It can adversely affect the child's emotional development and even make some think that their existence itself is wrong. There is also an increasing opinion that it is unreasonable that restaurants are setting age limits at will, even though it is not set by law and there is no limited age. If a child is noisy in a restaurant, parents can educate them, and it is said that it is socially wrong to punish the child. This issue is debated by many people.

There were many conversations and debates about No Kids Zones on the internet and TV programs. Especially, popular cafes and restaurants were worse. Therefore, YTN tried an experiment with a stroller. They went into a cafe that did not have a 'No Kids Zone' sign displayed, but after entering they were told that it was a No Kids Zone. Furthermore, even if they were allowed entry, they would have only been allowed to eat at an outdoor table. Even though it was the child's fault, they experienced many unfair situations where part-timers had to be scolded. They said that there were many accidents caused by children running around, where the parents did not try to stop them at all. On the other hand, the perspective of a lot of married people was that, it is unfortunate that children are being targeted by a large number of people, even if they do cause a lot of damage. Therefore, they said that if they go to a department store, they try to eat quickly.

When they visit a regular restaurant, they are worried about whether it is a No Kids Zone or whether their child is crying. from the point of view of children, No Kids Zones are becoming a hot topic. A girl posted a diary on social media and became popular. She waited for an hour to eat her favorite food, but they told her she could not enter because it was a No Kids Zone. She said she was just there to eat, but she shouted at and told not to come in, making the family atmosphere become serious. The children said that it is sad that adults were once children, but they do not understand their minds, since both children and adults talk with their friends. They think that it is discrimination to prevent only children from being allowed entry. In the case of the United States, it is such a serious problem that even No Kids Zones on airplanes have been suggested. In Korea, there are more than 500 No Kids Zone cafes and restaurants nationwide.

As the number of No Kids Zones increases, discriminatory remarks are increasing. Many people say that the problem lies with the education methods of the parents, and not necessarily a problem with the children and businesses. In a society where we live together, discrimination should not exist, and we should change into a society that tolerates, respects and cares for each other.