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Parental curfews

Curfews are a form of discipline that almost every one had to go through as a child. But how effective are they in instilling discipline and a sense of responsibility in children? Join our debate

  • Gulf News
  • Published: 19:00 January 31, 2013

  • Image Credit: Supplied
  • For illustrative purposes only

Be a part of our discussion on parental curfews. The following statements will be debated:

 

  • There is no good reason for children to be out unaccompanied late at night, it is better they are at home.
  • A curfew alone won’t make your child behave better.
  • Children have a right to freedom of movement, curfews criminalise this and call into question the value system imparted by parents.
  • Parents apply curfews simply because that is a traditional system they are familiar and comfortable with.

Comments (4)

Share your views.

  1. Added 20:44 February 4, 2013

    Although children/teens should not be allowed to stay outdoors till late night, yet in my opinion I don't think imposing strict curfews will improve the situation. It in fact does more bad than good. Children can finish their friendly hang-outs, etc during the daytime itself instead of going out late at night; especially when we all know how harmful that can be. However, I believe it is not only a curfew but also the family environment and values that develop a child's mentality. The parents must also explain their children why a particular act is good or why a particular act is bad (which, in this case, is staying out late or indulging in wrong practices). This way they will understand you and you will understand them, better. Talking about freedom, yes a certain degree of freedom is necessary and acceptable. But the young ones should know that they aren't supposed to take disadvantages of that freedom! Staying within limits should be the key. Imposing curfews IS a traditional practice, although times have changed and new methods of disciplining children have come up.

    Ishfaq Mir, Duabi, United Arab Emirates

  2. Added 20:03 February 4, 2013

    There must be a curfew for teens. If you do not set boundaries for children they will walk all over you or get in trouble . But parents should be flexible to bend the rules in case of special events/sleepover .Best for parents is to discuss rules, especially curfews, with their child, so the child understands why the rule is the way it is, and can have a chance to give input. If your child helps to create the rules, he'll be less likely to break them and defy your authority.Curfews are important because they set up reasonable boundaries to protect your family culture.

    Madhu Madan, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

  3. Added 11:25 February 2, 2013

    The discipline can’t be imposed; it should be carefully inculcated in a planned manner so that the kids may have the trust and confidence on their parents. It is always seen that there are some parent who are very stick towards installing true discipline; it really dangerous for their kinds , the parents should surely give liberty to discuss/ share the issue with them and then only they can nurture them in efficiently the true and desired manners.

    Ghulam Hamdani Khan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  4. Added 15:13 February 1, 2013

    Just imposing a law on youngsters without giving them the reason for it won't work because when they hit adolescence they develop the 'its-my-life' attitude, and don't like being bossed, preached at or lectured at. They are also going through a process of understanding themselves and are more concerned about friends, popularity, appearance etc, so they fail to understand the wisdom behind many things. Parents should go about this in a careful, planned way. Teens want to know why. Why am I not allowed to go there? Why am I not allowed internet? Why should I not dress like that? and so on. Everything has a reason, it's just that you have to explain it carefully, taking into consideration the feelings and emotions of the child. Young people crave attention and love, so fear for their safety will touch them. Bring to their attention the troubles and dangers teens have faced by following certain interests and going with certain people, and tell them to be wiser.

    HN, Shj, United Arab Emirates

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