Loitering facts for kids

Loitering means to stand around without a clear purpose. It's like waiting or hanging out without really doing anything. Sometimes, it can also mean stopping many times while you are on your way somewhere. People might loiter in public places, like a park or a street corner.

What Does Loitering Mean?

Loitering is when someone stays in one place for a while, often without a specific reason. Think of it like just "hanging around." This can happen in many different places. For example, you might see people loitering outside a shop or near a public building. It's usually about how long someone stays and what they are doing (or not doing).

Why Do People Loiter?

People might loiter for many reasons. Sometimes, they are just waiting for a friend. Other times, they might be taking a break or simply enjoying the weather. It could also be that they have nowhere else to go. For kids and teens, loitering might mean gathering with friends in a public spot.

Where Might You See Loitering?

You can see people loitering in many different public areas. These include:

• Parks and playgrounds
• Shopping mall entrances
• Street corners
• Outside schools or libraries
• Near bus stops or train stations

Rules About Loitering

In some places, there are rules or signs about loitering. These rules are often put in place to keep areas safe and clear. For example, a shop owner might put up a "No Loitering" sign. This means they don't want people to just stand around outside their business. These rules help make sure that public spaces are used fairly by everyone. They also help prevent areas from becoming too crowded or noisy.

Images for kids

• 

  "No Loitering" sign in Fortuna, California

• 

  Gilbert Wheatley, a person from 1904, in a time when rules about loitering were sometimes different.