Some countries are considering imposing curfews in which teenagers will not be allowed outdoors at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this policy?

 Some countries are considering imposing curfews in which teenagers will not be allowed outdoors at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this policy?

In recent years, there are several government bodies that are considering extreme policies to curtail crime targeted at a certain section of the demographic. While this is being driven to change a very grim reality in the current environment, the intent and possible outcomes of implementing such policies needs to be investigated in greater detail.

Over time, there has been an extremely sharp increase in crime rates in multiple countries. A policy of such nature can help ensure there is a discipline cultivated with young adults from an early age. This could also help them to utilize their time more efficiently on academic activities. It will also help them with improved awareness in areas where crime rates against children are high. In case there are policies which come into effect, a sense of fear which would be established with criminals. Another unintentional advantage would be that teens would also be restricted from social situations where they may be subjected to peer pressure to explore alcohol and other substances at a young age.

However, studies have long demonstrated that children who are subjected to multiple restrictions growing up, often tend to display extreme rebellion in their teens which carries on to their adulthood as well. This could result in incriminating behavior proving to be counterproductive. This could have a detrimental impact on the society if a whole section of the demographic grows up in this manner. Restricting teenagers indoors can also increase their dependence on the internet and devices which can result in an introvert mentality being developed in social situations in the long run.

In conclusion, there are multiple reasons to carefully consider implementing such a policy in countries which see a need. It may have an immediate effect in reducing crime rates. The tradeoff highlighted through the policy, can have an immediate impact to make cities a safer place for the citizens and build the confidence as well.

Some countries are considering imposing curfews in which teenagers will not be allowed outdoors at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this policy?

 Some countries are considering imposing curfews in which teenagers will not be allowed outdoors at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this policy?

Why Curfew

•  - Teen-aged juveniles are the most vulnerable group and an easy target 
•      for anti-social elements 
• - Teenagers tend to be on the wrong side of the law due to peer                pressure and overzealousness.

Why not

- Encroachment of the rights of people

- Punishment for all due to a few

The recent spurt in the criminal activities involving, or targeting adolescents during late evenings has forced governments across many countries to come up with plans to restrict unaccompanied by adults, outdoor movements of these youngsters after sunset. This proposal has fetched both accolades and brickbats. 

To start with, the proposed scheme seems to be quite practical, as per certain social theorists. It is professed that the teen-aged juveniles are the most vulnerable group and an easy target for anti-social elements like robbers and muggers who can harm these youngsters. And, since most of such incidents usually take place after darkness sets in, it is extremely viable to not let young ones go out without an adult guardian.

Moreover, it is undeniable that today teenagers often, due to their overzealousness and peer pressure, tend to be on the wrong side of the law such as indulging in over-speeding, dangerous driving, drug and alcohol abuse, and frightening people, to name a few, and all such activities are undertaken during the darker hours when police patrol is minimal. Thus, to curb such unlawful instances, imposition of restrictions on outdoor endeavors of those in their adolescence, alone is quite justified.

However, the other school of thought vehemently resists such a move. As per them, this would be an encroachment of the rights of people and in fact, such a law is bound to punish the majority of lawful teenagers for the fault of a minority of unruly children. Additionally, impeding the movement of teenagers to prevent criminals from assaulting the former will only encourage the latter more. 

Overall, I partially subscribe to this notion and feel that the night curfew on teenagers should only be imposed in the areas that are facing a hike in unlawful acts involving teenagers in some way.