
We Should Have Child Curfews
- Child curfews are a form of zero tolerance policing.
- Child curfews can help to change a negative youth culture.
- Other schemes aimed at reducing youth crime are desirable.
- Minors don’t have rights.
- It teaches teenagers to be responsible and also considerate of other people around them
- They will learn the importance of being on time to places
What are the disadvantages of having curfew for teenagers?
List of the Disadvantages of Teenage Curfew
- It provides parents and teens with a false sense of security. ...
- Most curfews are set from an autocratic standpoint. Some parents and communities set the rules of a teenage curfew without any input from those that the rules effect.
- Some teenage curfew rules can encourage rebellion. ...
- There can be legal consequences for violating curfews. ...
Why should kids under 18 have a curfew?
We Should Have Child Curfews
- All the Yes points: Youth crime is a major and growing problem, often involving both drugs and violence. ...
- All the No points:
- The use of child curfews can help to protect vulnerable children.
- There is no good reason for children to be out unaccompanied late at night.
- Child curfews are a form of zero tolerance policing.
Why do some cities have curfews for teens?
Reasons for Teen Curfews
- Responsibility. As they approach adulthood, teenagers go through different learning phases. ...
- Safety. Going home late at night can be dangerous -- especially for teens who may not know better. ...
- It's the Law. Many cities -- including Baltimore and San Jose, Calif. ...
- Social Courtesy. ...
Do curfews keep teenagers out of trouble?
Our group has discussed and came to an agreement that curfews really do help teenagers keep out of trouble. Firstly, curfews help teenagers to stay away from bad influences. Besides that, curfews set by parents are a way of showing that the parents care about the teenagers.

Why is teenage curfew important?
As a parent of a teenager, you know curfews are important. They help make sure your teen is safe while also teaching them responsibility, self-control, and time management skills. Every teen is different. What works for one child might not work for another.
What are the benefits of having a curfew?
Curfews have many advantages that teenagers might not realize; these advantages include staying out of trouble, better time management, less sleep deprivation, and increased focus in school.
How does a curfew teach responsibility?
Curfews are one of those rules and are an important part of developing a teenager's (and tween's) responsibility. Curfews help youth learn to follow a normal routine schedule by being home before a certain time each night. This actually reduces stress in their life, as well as within the family.
Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
As much as parents want an easy way to keep their children out of trouble, setting up a curfew isn't the way to go. Not only do curfews have no significant effect on crime rates or incidents, they put can strain parent-child relationships and harm a teenager's independence.
What are the effects of curfew?
The pattern of evidence suggests that juvenile curfews are ineffective at reducing crime and victimization. The average effect on juvenile crime during curfew hours was slightly positive - that is a slight increase in crime - and close to zero for crime during all hours. Both effects were not significant.
What are the causes of curfew?
Generally, curfews attempt to address vandalism, shootings, and property crimes, which are believed to happen mostly at night, but are less commonly used to address underage drinking, drunk driving and teenage pregnancy.
How late should I let my 13 year old stay out?
Frequently, the weekends are less structured and the kids have the flexibility to sleep in. Having said that, I suggest a weekday curfew for 13-year-olds of somewhere between 8 and 10 p.m. during the weekends.
What are the disadvantages of having a curfew?
Top Five Reasons to Abolish CurfewsJuvenile curfews are a violation of young people's fundamental rights. ... Curfews are ineffective at reducing crime. ... Juvenile curfews punish non-criminal behavior. ... Juvenile curfews don't target populations that commit the most crime and waste police resources.More items...
How late should a 17 year old stay out?
Chronological Age vs. MaturityAgeSchool NightsWeekend Nights12-137:00-8:009:00-10:0014 – 168:00 – 9:0010:00-11:0017+10:00-11:00Negotiable with teen
What is the child curfew scheme?
The police can ban children from being in a public place between 9pm and 6am, unless accompanied by an adult. This is called a Local Child Curfew and can last for up to 90 days.
Why is there a curfew for teens?
While we may have personal reasons for telling our teens to be home at a specific time, most states have strict curfew laws regarding newly licensed teens because vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in kids ages 16-24. In Pennsylvania, teens with the “Young Driver” designation must be off the road by 11p.
How does curfew help teens?
However, in my research, I learned that curfews benefit teens by teaching them effective time management, particularly when they’ve driven a distance to a party or event. If they have to be home at midnight and they are 40 minutes away, they learn pretty quickly that they can’t be speeding home at 11:55 pm. Teens, especially seniors in high school, will soon be on their own in college and curfews can help them learn responsibility when it comes to leaving room for homework, jobs and family obligations.
What time is the curfew for teens?
The American Academy of Pediatrics has even taken a position on teen curfews: they support a nighttime driving restriction from 12:00 am to 5:00 am until the age of 18.
What to teach a child when they are small?
From the time our children are very small, we try to teach them to be nice, to be kind. These lessons are straightforward enough when kids are little. We insist they share their toys. We teach them not to hit or call names. We make them play nice. But what about our big kids? Will…
Is curfew effective for youth?
Science says yes. In a study done by the National Institute of Health and published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that, “juvenile curfew laws were effective at reducing adverse youth health outcomes (e.g., trauma transports), juvenile crime, and victimization.”. Basically, this study justifies all those times you stood your ...
Do teens want to be told what to do?
No teen wants to be told what to do and curfews can be a sore subject at times but, helping them understand the laws and rules will make it easier for you to fall asleep at night.
What are curfew laws for minors and why do they exist?
Curfew laws for minors exist in order to protect minors from harm, both as a general rule and in specific circumstances. curfew laws for minors help to ensure that minors are not out late at night without adult supervision, which can put them in danger.
What are the general rules that apply nationwide to curfew laws for minors?
The general rules that apply nationwide to curfew laws for minors are as follows: curfew hours differ from state to state, but typically start at 10pm and end at 5am; exceptions may be made for work, school, or other activities; and parents may be held responsible for their child’s curfew violations.
How do curfew laws for minors vary from state to state?
Curfew laws for minors vary from state to state in terms of curfew hours, exceptions, and penalties. For example, in California, the curfew hours for minors are from 10pm to 6am and in Ohio, the curfew hours are from 11pm to 5am. The florida teenage driving curfew is from 11pm to 6am, with exceptions for school, work, or other activities.
What are some specific circumstances in which curfew laws for minors would apply?
There are specific circumstances in which curfew laws for minors would apply, such as if there is a curfew in effect due to a natural disaster or civil unrest. Curfew laws for minors may also be put in place during special events, such as concerts or sporting events, in order to ensure public safety.
What should parents do if their child is stopped by the police for a curfew violation?
If your child is stopped by the police for a curfew violation, it is important to remain calm and be respectful. You should also ask to speak to an attorney if your child is being detained or arrested. If your child is released, you should take them home and discuss the situation with them.
What other resources are available to parents with questions about curfew laws for minors?
There are a few other resources parents can turn to for help with curfew laws for minors. The first is their local representatives, who may be able to offer guidance or assist with changing curfew laws. Additionally, many states have curfew laws posted online, which can be helpful for parents to review.
What should parents do if they believe curfew laws for minors are unfair or unjust?
If parents believe curfew laws for minors are unfair or unjust, they can reach out to their local representatives or the ACLU to voice their concerns. Additionally, parents can educate themselves and their children about curfew laws and their rights. Finally, parents can support organizations that are working to change curfew laws.
Why are some parents against curfew?
Some parents don’t give their teenagers a certain time to arrive home because they think that this extra freedom is better for their teens, or they are just not the type of parent that is super involved.
What is curfew in parenting?
A Curfew is a Collaboration. As a parent, it’s easy to want to slam your fist down on the table and lay out the law of the land, but a in order for a curfew to be something that’s actually effective and that doesn’t just build up resentment and a desire to fight against it, then it should be a collaborative effort.
What is the best time to have a curfew for a 13 year old?
Curfews for 13 year olds: If 12 year olds get 7-8pm, you could push that to 8pm on school nights for someone who is 13 years old. Curfews for 14 year olds: 8-9pm is a reasonable curfew for someone who is 14 years old. Curfews for 15 year olds: For a 15 year old, you can push that to 9pm.
What happens if you show up after curfew?
It’s a clear line in the sand, and the teen knows that if they show up after curfew there will be some type of consequence. Also, by showing up on time, some families will allow the teenager to earn rewards and privileges like being able to take the car on a weekend, or.
When is the curfew for 16 year olds?
Curfews for 16 year olds: At 16 years old, you may want to look at a curfew of around 10pm, especially on school nights, and possibly a bit later on the weekends.
How to get your teenager on a curfew?
One strategy to get your teenager on board for a curfew is to simply ask them what they think is fair, what time somebody their age should be home by. You don’t have to go with whatever they suggest, but it gives you a good starting point to understand where their head is at. Ask them what would be their ideal time, ask them why, ask them what they think you think would be a good time, and factor all of that in, compare it to whatever time you had in mind for a curfew.
When is curfew 2021?
March 22, 2021 by Sara Dylan. Curfew for teens is seen as a rite of passage in some families, whereas other families don’t enforce them. As with every aspect of raising a child to adulthood, you’ll have your own way to do things, your own preferences, and the things that you think are best. Some parents have decided not to give their teenagers ...
Why is curfew illegal for teens?
By making it illegal for teens under the age of 18 to be out during this time, officials hope to prevent the number of crimes that involve juveniles from increasing, protect kids from potential predators , and maintain general peace during hours when people need to rest.
What is the impact of curfew on juveniles?
The impact of a juvenile curfew is more about the needs of the parents or guardians. Mayor Ted Green of Orange, NJ, told The Marshall Project in 2018 that the purpose of their curfew is safety.
What are the pros and cons of curfew?
List of the Pros of a Teenage Curfew 1 A parent or guardian is accompanying their teen after the curfew begins. 2 Teams who have employment in their community and come home after-hours are permitted to be outside if they carry proof of their job. 3 Attending a school event or a religious activity with verification is permitted under most laws. 4 Minors running an errand for their parents, guardians, or an authorized adult are sometimes exempted from these laws. 5 All emergency situations that may exist.
Why is curfew unfair?
In addition to the failures of reducing juvenile crime, a teenage curfew law invites unfair enforcement because it allows police officers to target people based on their looks, race, or views on life.
Why is it important to have a teenager at home at night?
Having a teen at home at night helps a family to feel relived because there is an assurance that nothing will happen without there being a chance to respond. 5. Teenage curfew laws help kids to understand boundaries. All of us set boundaries in our lives in various ways.
Why is curfew not a cure all?
Even when a community has severe issues with juvenile delinquency during the overnight hours because of gang-related activity, poverty, or similar issues, a teenage curfew is not a cure-all for the problems that are happening in the community.
How many kids are taken away from their homes each year?
About 300 kids each year are taken away from their homes in an incident that doesn’t include a family abduction. The presence of teenage curfew laws works to prevent this issue from occurring, especially for girls between the ages of 12-17, because it stops predators from having easy access to them while on the street.
Why is curfew imposed?
Autocratic Parenting#N#When parents impose curfew mainly because it is the law, the family loses sight over the importance of getting kids involved in the way the household is run. Despite being minors, teenagers have their own beliefs, opinions and goals that parents overlook or undermine when curfew law is blindly enforced.
What happens when a family enforces curfew?
Hinders Maturity. When the family or community strictly imposes curfew law, kids are expected to observe it without question to avoid punishment. This potentially restricts juveniles from asserting themselves, negotiate with parents, and simply learn how to deal with the real world.
Why can't teenagers work in graveyards?
Some teenagers can’t hold down graveyard jobs mainly because of the curfew limitations. This discriminates young individuals who need to do extra work to support their family and themselves. In the same way, authorities outright categorize those who do stay out beyond the curfew limit as delinquents or violators.
What are the pros and cons of curfew?
List of Pros of Teenage Curfew. 1. Peace of Mind for Parents. Having curfew means that those under 18 get as much adult supervision as possible. This lessens the chances of them getting involved in juvenile violence and crime.
Why are kids under 18 called minors?
There’s a reason why kids under 18 are called minors and dependents – because they basically need fully grown, mature people overseeing them. With a curfew, parents can trust their children to be home at a specific time, making it easier to manage the household. 4. Structured Teenage Life.
What happens if a child doesn't follow house rules?
When kids chronically fail to follow agreed house rules, let alone the curfew limit, parents need to check whether they did their part of the bargain – administering consequences. If parents find themselves easily giving in to the whims of their teenagers, then the kids are not entirely at fault.
Why do teens sneak out of the house at night?
Sneaking out of the house very late at night generally puts teenagers in a position because they no longer have the protection and security outside the family environment. Teenagers become more vulnerable to participating or falling victim to juvenile crimes and other criminal acts done during the night.
Why is it important to have a curfew?
As your child gets older, it’s important to give them enough freedom to learn how to make their own choices and lead more independent lives. At the same time, setting reasonable boundaries on their activities can help teenage children make responsible decisions and develop healthy habits. Establishing a curfew is a key part of striking that balance.
Why do teens have curfews?
Setting a curfew can help your teenager get to bed at a reasonable hour.
How to set a curfew for teens?
When establishing a curfew for your teen, it might be helpful to consider these factors: 1 How much structure do they need? If they struggle to make responsible choices without firm boundaries in place, a consistent curfew might be the best approach for them. 2 What does their sleep schedule entail? If they need to wake up early in the morning or struggle to get enough sleep, an earlier curfew might benefit their health and productivity. 3 How safe is your neighborhood? If your neighborhood sees a fair amount of crime, an earlier curfew might help keep them safe. 4 How do they plan to spend the night? If they want to attend a special event that extends past their usual curfew, it might be reasonable to adjust their curfew for the night.
How long does a curfew stay the same?
In some cases, parents set a blanket curfew that stays the same from one night to the next. In others, parents take a more flexible approach to setting curfews. On one night, you might ask your teenager to be home by 9:00 p.m. On another night, you might let them to stay out until 11:00 p.m.
What to do if your child is running late?
You can help prevent some worry and confusion by letting your child know that if they’re running late, they should call you before they miss their curfew — rather than make excuses afterward.
How long does it take for a child to break curfew?
When you set a curfew, it’s important to create consequences for breaking it. For example, you might roll your child’s curfew back by 30 minutes if they violate it. They can earn the 30 minutes back by showing they’ll stick to the new, earlier time.
What to do if your child always arrives home on time?
If your child always arrives home on time, it might be time to reward their conscientiousness by extending their curfew.
Why is curfew important?
Remember, a curfew is a tool to keep your child healthy, productive, and safe. Your comfort level, your teen’s comfort level, and the safety of your community should all be part of the discussion .
What is the importance of curfew in middle school?
In middle school, adolescents start staying later at friends’ houses. First, reinforce the importance of adequate sleep for school and sports performance. But allow curfew to give you a chance to see how he handles responsibility. Does he allow enough time to get home? Is he waiting where promised when you pick him up? Does he call if something unforeseen comes up?
How does curfew work?
Curfew works best when the expectations and consequences are clearly spelled out ahead of time. You need to know where she is. Any time is too late if it interferes with schoolwork. Homework must be completed and she must get enough sleep to focus in school and manage stress.
What to do if your child is delayed?
You expect a call if your child is delayed because of traffic. You expect her to follow the check-in rule. You expect her to be respectful of others who have to get up early and arrive quietly. If your teen misses curfew, tell him you were worried but are relieved he’s home safely and will talk to him in the morning.
Why do teens hate curfews?
Staying Out Late & Curfews. Adolescents are programmed to hate curfew because they think it’s about control or trust. A curfew is a reflection of your concern for your child’s safety and well being, so present it as such.
Is it okay to have a curfew at midnight?
Some parents prefer a set curfew, while others prefer to vary curfew decisions by the circumstances: One night 10:30 makes sense; another night, midnight is acceptable. Flexibility encourages a teen to demonstrate responsibility in exchange for expanded privileges.
Why is curfew important?
Because curfews increase the likelihood of young people being drawn into the criminal justice system, criminal justice reformers have begun to speak out against the “curfew-to-prison pipeline.”. And the penalties for breaking curfew are not trivial.
Why should we abolish curfews?
Top Five Reasons to Abolish Curfews. They don't reduce crime or keep us safe. Juvenile curfews are a violation of young people’s fundamental rights. Both the U.S. Constitution and the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child state that freedom of movement and association is an important right. Federal courts have also recognized ...
Is curfew effective?
Curfews are ineffective at reducing crime. A recent review of several studies on juvenile curfews stated that they are ineffective at reducing both crime and victimization. This supported an earlier review of studies on juvenile curfews, which also found that juvenile crime and victimization were “most likely to remain unchanged after implementation of curfew laws” and when changes were observed, they were just as likely to reflect an increase in crime as a decrease.
Does curfew increase crime?
In fact, some studies do show that curfews can lead to a rise in crime. For example, in the District of Columbia, there was a significant uptick in the number of gun violence incidents after extending the curfew by only one hour.
Is curfew discriminatory?
Juvenile curfews are often applied in a discriminatory fashion. There is ample evidence to show that street policing affects people of color in a disproportionate way. Just like “stop and frisk,” curfews can also disproportionately impact homeless people and those trying to escape an abusive home life. Curfew laws are heavily enforced in black neighborhoods, but not as heavily in white neighborhoods and white youth are less likely to be stopped by police than black youth. In fact, the city of Austin, Texas ended juvenile curfews in 2017 after data revealed that “black and Hispanic youths were cited disproportionately.”
