Six Flags to Require Chaperones for Guests 15 and Under

Six Flags Over Georgia will soon require chaperones for its younger guests.

Starting Friday, all guests who are 15-years-old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone that is at least 21-years-old from 4 p.m. onwards, the park announced Monday.

"The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at Six Flags Over Georgia. We are committed to keeping Six Flags Over Georgia a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of fun experiences and immersive entertainment," the new policy reads.

Six Flags did not state if there was a specific incident that sparked the rule change, but did say the last few years have seen an increase in "incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior" at the park.

On the park's opening day in March, a 15-year-old was shot by Cobb County Police after multiple fights broke out near the park's entrance and several shots were fired by civilians, including one that struck an empty Cobb Police car.

Two weeks after the shooting, Cobb Police, park officials and local leaders including Mableton Mayor Michael Owens met to discuss safety issues in the south Cobb area.

At the time, Owens said there was no "silver bullet" to solve safety concerns, but said leaders had considered a few ideas to address security including requiring chaperones for minors.

In an email to the MDJ Monday, Owens said he was happy to see this step taken alongside other efforts like increased lighting, improved traffic flow for the pickup and drop off areas of the park and a strengthened security team.

"I applaud them for taking this step. It's a proactive measure that underscores their commitment to creating a safe environment for everyone," Owens wrote. "... I am thankful for the strong partnership between Six Flags and the City of Mableton. Their commitment to safety and community well-being is commendable, and I am optimistic about the positive impact these measures will have on our community."

Under the new policy, chaperones may accompany no more than 10 guests that are 15-years-old or younger. Chaperones must be with their minors during park entry, present a valid photo identification with their date of birth and be accessible by phone and inside the park throughout their party's stay.

Guests 15-years-old or younger who are found in the park without a chaperone will be subject to removal. The policy applies to all standard and season ticket holders.

"We believe these changes will help ensure that Six Flags Over Georgia continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food," the new policy reads. "Millions of guests have counted on us for exactly that, and we will continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come."