Geographers are interested in the way these communities or groups use space. The size of the area in which teenagers interact with each other generally increases with age. For younger teenagers the area of interaction may be confined to the local neighbourhood. With the social and physical development that accompanies the progress towards adulthood the area of interaction widens significantly to take in adjacent suburbs, beaches, large shopping malls and entertainment precincts. The area of interaction becomes even wider when group members become old enough to drive. Teenage groups often use space in ways that were not anticipated by the adults who designed them. Planned spaces, such as playgrounds and sporting fields, are often ignored in favour of ‘hidden’ spaces. Back alleys, building sites, vacant lots, areas of remnant bushland and river beds become places to ‘hang out’. Other favoured places may be more public, and concentrations of young people may be seen as threatening by local shop owners and other adults who would like to use the space. Shopping malls are a popular place for teenagers to meet and interact. These have the advantage of being acceptable to the many parents who see them as a safe environment for teenagers to socialise in. Business operators have responded to the demand generated by young consumers. Many large shopping centres have tenants who depend on the teenage market. Cinema complexes, fast-food outlets, electronic game arcades and surf shops are just some of the facilities catering for the needs of teenagers.
