How old is a child?

In an Island where we are supposedly ‘putting children first’, it seems very wrong that so many children’s attractions have come up with different ages for when to charge full price

You can read our investigation into the child ages charged at different attractions here.

Countless surveys over the years have resulted in children – in particular, teenagers – continually asking for more things to do, especially during the winter. And hat’s off to the Jersey Development Company for managing to secure the fabulous ice-skating rink for almost all of the winter months. It seems a great use of the land which they administer and gives children and families something to do until Jersey and its beaches re-emerge from the winter.  

But really? Charging an adult ticket for some aged 12 just doesn’t seem right for what is, ostensibly, a family attraction. Some of these attractions might all look at each other first before setting the age limit, but why not apply common sense in the first place? A 12-year-old is not an adult in anyone’s eyes and, unlike Cineworld (whose policy is even more ridiculous when you consider what they offer) the JDC is a local company, so as long as it is covering its costs, it really ought to have a rethink. 

On the wider issue of age limits, perhaps some general guidance could be useful. While the Jersey Consumer Council could ask for adult prices to kick in at 18 (unless a full-time student) it might carry more weight if this were to come from the Children’s Minister, or Children’s Commissioner. For once, it appears that the Government of Jersey has set the gold standard and doesn’t charge adult prices until someone reaches 18. So it can hold its head high in this instance and should encourage others to follow its lead. 

For the rest of those attractions that have come up with some arbitrary age limit, the Council – along with thousands of families in this Island – would urge you to review it and help youngsters out in this Island. You never know – you could actually increase your visitor numbers and turnover.