2006-12-19 16:37:43 · 39 answers · asked by . 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
It's really dependent on the neighbourhood, the number of siblings, how busy the parents are, how much responsibility the teen has shown, and so on.
Generally, I think parents give teenagers curfews to protect them from all of the dangers of the outside world.
Anyway, as long as the curfew is flexible, and understood, it's fine. For example, if the teen is at a certain trusted friend's house, and the parents are home, then the curfew should be later. Or if the teen is at school band practice, then the curfew should be later.
Considering that at this time of year, it's dark by 5:00 pm in the Northern Hemisphere, a 5:00 curfew also seems reasonable, especially in an urban area.
What wouldn't be reasonable or fair is a curfew that is never changed regardless of good and safe behavior, good and safe friends, good grades, a safer neighbourhood, and increasing age.
And curfews can backfire. People push the limits when they have set times. If the curfew is 5:00, they show up at 5:05, just because they can. If the curfew is "before bedtime, and we need to know where you are and who you're with and what you're doing, and you have to do your homework", the teenager has a balance of freedom with responsibilities. Similarly, the teen could know that they have to help with fixing dinner on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Thus, not a curfew, but a responsibility at a fairly set time.
2006-12-19 16:57:21 · answer #1 · answered by Jean Talon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends, really. Are you being punished or on restriction? Do you have a night job of some kind, or are you too young for that? Are you showing responsibility as you parents see it or not? Are there circumstances that may be making your parents keep such a tight rein on your time, such as violence or high crime, in your neighborhood? As you might see, whether the curfew is harsh or not depends on the circumstances in which you live in. Plus, right now at least, most places are already dark or at sunset by 5pm, if not sooner. On surface, it is harsh, true--but, when you look deep down, it may be actually more than fair. They are your parents--and people, too. Their main concern is your safety. You may not see that, or even want to, but it is true.
2006-12-19 18:14:35 · answer #2 · answered by Mudcat007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it would be VERY harsh.....it depends on how old he/she is though and if they have been doing any illegal activity that you know of. I would say that if they are anywhere from 12-14 years old their curfew should be like 9pm as long as you know where they are and what their doing and you know their friends. If their 14-16 I would say like 10pm just as long as you know where they are and what their doing, and older than 16 I think they should be able to take care of themselves pretty well and so I think there should be a curfew of midnight, but yet, if they want to stay out longer and you ask them with who and for how long that they should obey those rules and if they think they will be later have them call you, and if their after midnight or dont call you then they should have an earlier curfew of like 9 or 10 after they are grounded.
2006-12-19 16:42:41 · answer #3 · answered by Ms. Alisha Conford 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know when I was a teenager, my mom was really strict on me and what my curfew times were. If it's a Sunday, I think 5-7pm is reasonable, that way you can get in a dinner / family time with your growing teenager. As for Friday and Saturday nights, maybe a later curfew would be nicer. I know some of my friends had curfews that corresponded to what grade they were in, 9th grade, 9 o'clock. 10th grade, 10 o'clock, etc, etc... As long as you trust your child, and know where they are, and get all the information (such as addresses, phone numbers, etc) you should be fine. In the end, your child won't hate you and everything will work out for the best!
GOOD LUCK!
2006-12-19 16:50:24 · answer #4 · answered by Buckwild 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is very Harsh. As a Teenager, they are at the age where they deserve a little respect and trustworthy. They deserve to be treated like they are older. They deserve freedom. I think the appropriate time would be 8:00. If they are 16 or older, then I would say 9:00 on School-Nights and 11:00 on Weekends. If you are really so worried about them, get them a Cellular Phone. This way, you can call them to warn them to get home or to check on them. But don't call them every hour on the hour.
2006-12-20 07:46:56 · answer #5 · answered by slushie... 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very harsh. I don't agree with even a 13 year old being allowed out until 9pm but I think definately until after 5pm. That time doesn't give time to go out for long at all after school.
2006-12-19 21:00:01 · answer #6 · answered by abby00uk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its really harsh because i dont get out of school tilli dont 4:15 and get home untill 5:15 so yeah if i had a teen child his/her
curphew would be 7:30 to 8:30
2006-12-21 20:50:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Very harsh. Let the poor boy or girl live. How r they meant 2 socialise when they have 2 b at home almost as soon as they get out of school. Mayb 9-9:30pm would b a better idea.
2006-12-20 06:02:12 · answer #8 · answered by kt baby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah that is harsh. My 8 yo gets to stay out til 6.
2006-12-20 05:44:33 · answer #9 · answered by ellc123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG that is HARSH what are you thinking!!! my curfew is 9:15 on week nights and midnight on weekends. LIGHTEN UP
2006-12-20 00:56:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋