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Our Mission
Currently in New Jersey, pepper spray/mace is illegal for those under 18 to obtain and lawfully own. We aim to amend this law to expand access to these self-defense devices to teens ages 16-17. This will include implementation of heavy restrictions for access, including a mandatory safety course, parental consent, applications, and registration with local law enforcement, as well as a permit test.
Purpose
Reality
Young people in New Jersey live active lives. Outside of school hours, many students have activities to do, including athletic or music practices, tutoring lessons, community events, jobs or any social gatherings. These activities often require transportation by walking or biking, which means that children will be exposed in public spaces without adult supervision or immediate police access.
Policy
New Jersey has strict regulations on mace and pepper spray for minors. We aim to promote public safety and prevent any misuse. Many minors live independent lives, so it is important to protect them from harm and promote policies that reflect and educate many independent young individuals.
Learning from Others
Some states have implemented a structured approach to youth self-protection policies with restrictions, education and requirements. These policies have been limited reported issues, suggesting that with regulation with responsibility and education may reduce misuse rate.
Youth Empowerment
Youth safety is to encourage prevention, awareness and preparedness. Teens would benefit from gaining confidence from identifying and avoiding unsafe situations. Teens will be able to become educated on responsible behavior. Teens would also benefit by receiving training courses to learn techniques and situations.
Women and People of Color
Concerns about harassment, assault and violence often affect women and people of color. Many have to constantly worry about surroundings, there is a heightened amount of concerns when it comes to women and people of color. There is a lot of stress when it comes to navigating environments where they might feel targeted and under protected.
Regulation
Many teens across New Jersey have illegal access to mace and pepper spray. It is important to regulate this device rather than banning it altogether. This policy can reduce misuse while educating the public on the use of mace and pepper spray.
Student Testimonials
What Students Have to Say:
"I understand the concern that giving teens access to self-defense weapons could lead to more violence or unsafe pranks, especially in schools or on the streets. However, society shouldn’t ignore the many teens want protection, not conflict. Under the right education or mandated course, a teen should be allowed to pepper spray. It could even lessen the amount of teens that go missing because now they have a way to protect themselves"
Anonymous
“While I live in a fairly affluent area, I’ve still had a couple of experiences where I felt unsafe. I think a big part of that is because I’m a woman. For areas not as affluent as mine, I’m sure these experiences are more frequent, and I believe that access to these items would make people, particularly vulnerable populations like women and people of color, experience these situations less”
Anonymous
“As a black girl in today’s world, I feel is if I need to be highly armed and alert with my surroundings. I am lucky to live in a town where I feel pretty safe, but when I'm out of town, it might be different. I think pepper spray would be good for girls and teens to keep them safe”
Anonymous