Curfews for Teenagers

Gabriele McBride

By BHS Journalism

Curfew is a common topic between parents and their teenagers. Parents set curfews in an effort to keep their kids safe. They feel that setting a reasonable time when their children need to be home will help keep them out of trouble and allow them to stay on top of their schoolwork. Sometimes teens may dislike these rules because they feel like they are old enough to monitor their own behavior.

“I mostly set a curfew for my son.” Sunny Allen a BHS english teacher said. “ It’s usually about 10 on weekdays, on weekends it’s later depending on if I have to pick him up because I don’t want to be out that late,” Allen said.

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.

“I do not have a curfew, So I never have to worry about coming home on time.” Ty Harris a BHS student said. “I like having that freedom, my parents have always been pretty lenient they give no restrictions, they trust me.” Harris said.

No parent wants to see their kid coming home at 4 in the morning. Of course, setting a curfew to the teenager’s satisfaction is hard to do, because a curfew limits social freedom.

“I think having a curfew will give my child time to be home, but also knowing a lot of bad things happen at a certain time, and I like the feeling of knowing my kid is safe.” BHS World History teacher Donny Blanchet.

It is different for all parents and their children. Age is also another part of a curfew, as they get older they can stay out later. So do curfews help when enforced, or is it better to not have  a curfew and trust that your kid will be home on time?