Teen parties have been banned from nightclubs until fresh regulations are drafted by a special working group involving several authorities.

This follows reports by The Times highlighting contentious aspects of the parties, which took centre stage when Facebook photos emerged of teenage girls dancing in lingerie, mimicking erotic dancers.

The Malta Tourism Authority said it stopped issuing permits for such parties and would form part in an “inter-departmental working group” to review and amend regulations.

The working group was proposed by Children’s Commissioner Helen D’Amato as part of the recommendations she drew up to rectify some of the problems raised regarding the parties. She had also called for the parties to be banned until the “sensitive issues” were ironed out.

Among her recommendations, Ms D’Amato suggested a curfew and an age limit for the parties, which have become popular with children as young as 11 and also people in their 20s.

She also said organisers should be screened to ensure they had a clean police conduct as it emerged that one of the organisers had been slapped with a suspended sentence for engaging in sexual activities with a teenager.

Ms D’Amato complained about the “adult behaviour” displayed by some of the patrons and said this should be “discouraged” by keeping platforms, boxes and poles out of bounds.

Critics of the teen parties have claimed that although alcohol was banned inside the venues, it was available from car booths outside. Therefore, Ms D’Amato called for better enforcement of existing laws to curb such practices.

The Justice Ministry said it was analysing the “valid” proposals made by the Children’s Commissioner and was working with other ministries to implement the recommendations effectively.

“The ministry believes that, pending these amendments, these parties should be banned,” a ministry spokesman said.

Another entity that will be involved in discussions about new regulations is the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism and Culture.

One teen party has reportedly already been cancelled, according to statements on Facebook. Organiser Joel Caruana told his Facebook friends that none of his team had anything to do with the cancelling of a rival party and drew the attention of his followers to Ms D’Amato’s statements that the parties should be banned until further notice.

What Joel Caruana says...

What do you think of the idea to set up a working group?

I believe discussion is of utmost importance. The government must ensure all direct and indirect stakeholders are part of this debate. I hope the authorities tackle this issue from a holistic point of view, taking into consideration all facets of the argument.

Does it make sense to ban the parties?

Many teens saw the sudden ban on parties as inconsiderate. I only wish the authorities act swiftly, taking into account the needs of teens to have a good time.

Do you think the issue was blown out of proportion?

I believe dialogue is necessary to improve the current legislation, despite the storm in a tea cup. Don’t forget that 10-year-olds mix with 16-year-olds on a daily basis at secondary schools during breaks. So why the fuss about a 13-year-old mixing with a 16-year-old at an entertainment venue? These events are organised sporadically, once every season, providing students with a perfect alternative to socialise and meet new friends. Plus, more importantly, we are promoting a culture of partying without alcohol – all of these teens get accustomed to a party, dance and mingle without the need to drink alcohol. In contrast, many times, I fear that adults themselves feel the need to drink alcohol in order to be able to socialise.

Are there any regulations that you agree with or you would wish to suggest?

We provide a safe environment for teenagers. Let us not forget the lessons and study load they have, hence, the need to unwind after a long academic season. Let us not forget that we keep these events away from Paceville, bottle shops, heavy traffic and adult partygoers. We make sure ambulances are on standby, security staff is of the highest work ethic, cigarette vending machines are not permitted and absolutely no alcohol is served inside the venue or in close proximity. I ask parents: Do they prefer to leave their kids rummaging unmonitored?