Should there be a curfew for children under 14 years old after 9pm?

Question

This has been suggested by the government and tried out in some places. What do you think?

Answer 1

The trouble with your average Daily Mail reader is that their knowledge of the world adds up to precisely zip. They see a couple of hoodies by the chip shop as they cruise past in their comfy car and just about poo themselves with irrational fear. Their "logic" then goes - "14yr olds look a bit scary to me, therefore they are dangerous, and Mr Blair must be keep em orf the streets or I wont vote for him". Sophie and Tarquin are OK because Mummy and Daddy will continue to ferry them to ballet so their pixie feet dont even touch anything so common as a "Street", only a Close or a Crescent or possibly a Drive. Could someone tell me how they are going to check the ages of all these kids and how are they going to get them all home. And what happens when a kid misses a bus or summat - jail them obviously, for being too poor to have an SUV.

Answer 2

My town had a curfew in place at one time. No one under 18 was supposed to be out after 11 pm on school nights and 1 am on weekends (I think they may have had a stricter version for the 14 and under set, but I'm not sure). The curfew didn't apply if
A) said child was with a parent or guardian) or
B) said child was on their way home from an organized school function or job, and they had to provide some proof thereof.
Violaters faced a fine (police would write tickets). I believe this has since been repealed, however. A lot of parents were complaining that it was their business how late their kids were out, and not the law's. I agree. I don't think kids should be out past a certain hour, but I don't think it is the government's place to regulate it. Seems kind of fascist to me.

Answer 3

i think there should definately be curfews in the UK which should be followed with a big enough punishment if you dont stick to it as this would stop so many of the problems these days caused by bored teenagers. Not sure bout 14 though i would say higher 15 or 16. Kids should be inside at night doing their homework. If id had to stay in at that age i might have done better at school and then i wouldnt still be in education at nearly 23 years old trying to do wot i should have done at 18.

Answer 4

This would seriously affect youth organisations such as Cadets. THese organisations finish after 9pm and are catering for people aged 13-20. Many of the Cadets (member of any of these youth organisations) are there to have fun and develop themselves for the future at the same time. THe Staff need a chace to get home from work, cook and eat dinner, get canged and go out to these units. THese teenagers are more often than not the good ones we need to encourage and praise NOT punish and bad kids will break the curfew anyway. I think it is a bad idea.

Answer 5

My brother, sister and I all had to be in by a certain time each night when we were young. We were allowed an extra half hour on Saturdays. I think there should be a curfew on children under 17. There are too many parents who don't know or don't care what their children are up to as long as they are 'out of the way'. At 3 am one morning I looked out of my bedroom window only to see a youth of about 15 pinching wheelie bins. What was he doing out at that time and did his parents know? I think the parents of children who break the curfew should be fined, and the parents of children who steal should have some of THEIR possessions confiscated. Let's get some discipline back.

Answer 6

I'd like to agree, but I think its wrong for the government to control so much.. I know some places where anyone under the age of 18 has to be home before 12, which seems like it would help prevent a lot of crimes and problems, but it shouldn't be up to the government, parents need to start taking a responsibility... Plus that just punishes mature and good kids who can have good, safe, clean fun past 9.

Answer 7

YES, YES YES.

Young people 14 years and younger should not be allowed out after 9pm. 9 pm is good. After 14 then maybe but 9pm.

Answer 8

YES at 14 you don't need to be out on the streets after 9pm

Answer 9

My curfew is 10:30 on the weekends when my parents know where I am.

I think as long as the parents know where the 9 year old is going, and the 9 year old has a cellphone so the parents can check up on them, and they trust their kid, it should work out fine.

Answer 10

There should be a curfew for all teenagers under 18 that they can't be out after 9 pm more so for teenage girls than boys as there are more risks to a teenage girl out in the world than a teenage boy.