Youth Curfew (Essay Sample)

Topic: Youth Curfew
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Introduction
Although the youth are likely to complain about the imposition of night curfew, the curfews are very important when imposed on the youth. Before we even look at the advantages of a curfew, it is important to first understand the definition of curfew. Curfew refers to an order, which gives regulations on what time people should clear from a given place or region. Youth curfew in the same line, refers to regulations which have been set by the government to regulate the time at which youths should be back indoors.
Why should curfew be introduced on youths?
The imposition of any curfew begins by activities/ actions by the affected group, which in the face of the government, they are not pleasant. Curfew comes as control measure or as a counter measure. If the government observes that, with the current situation of youth activities at given times continue it would have a negative effect, they a curfew is imposed. Another factor would be in a case of insecurity. The government imposes the curfew as a way of protecting its people, especially the ignorant or don’t cares, who are likely to be at the point of predicted danger at the most vulnerable time.
Lets look at a real scenario in which a curfew was induced. In the year 2011 August 19th, in Kansas City, news were reading, "Kansas City sets youth curfew after weekend shooting." Let’s take a look at the scenario surrounding the order. This curfew came as a response to the killing which had left three children injured. The reports say that the shooting occurred late night at a famous shopping and restaurant known as Country Club Plaza. So, the scenario was that youngsters were at the restaurant late night. This is what actually prompted the government to order for a curfew.
What is the importance of youth curfew?
* Staying free from troubles – by limiting youths on the time when they are allowed to be out doors, helps in keeping them out of troubles. Most of troubles occur during the night, (for instance the shooting which led to curfew on youths in Kansas City) and therefore, if we can prevent the youths from un-necessary stay outs it can help them remain free from troubles. Still on safety, gender wise, curfews can be very helpful to keep female youths safe. Reports say that most of sexual abuse troubles that girls find themselves under, occur at night.
* Better time management – another importance of a youth curfew is that, it makes the youth to make proper use of their time. The curfew prevents wastage of time by youths through hanging out with friends late night. This is also important in ensuring that youth don’t engage in unlawful activities like taking of alcohol. For instance, the youths who were shot were in a bar. There are chances that some of them were taking alcohol, though the state law doesn’t allow sale of alcoholic drinks to minors.
* Little or no sleep deprivation – sleep is very important, especially for school going youths. If they are allowed to hangout late night, they will likely not get time to sleep. This affects their activities in the following day, due to sleepiness and feel of dizziness. The curfew is a good measure to prevent youth from hanging out late night, since due to the peer influence, it becomes almost impossible for the youths to make proper decisions on their own.
* There is increased focus in school – when school going youth are not engaged in activities which would ‘steal’ their time and energy, their focus turns to education. Researches have indicated that, largest percentages of the learners who perform well in school are not engaged in activities which consume their important time. By imposing curfew, the government will make learners to remain indoors at certain times and hence creating time for them which can be wisely be used for educational gain.
* Reduction of juvenile crimes – most of the juvenile crimes occur due to the youths being allowed to loiter at night. When youth hangout till late night, the discussions they have may deviate and turn out as strategies for committing juvenile crimes. The imposition of youth curfew requires that every youth should be at home at given time. This ensures that, the time which would otherwise be used for peer influence leading to juvenile crimes, is well utilized in activities which benefit the youth and not spoil them.
* Teaches the youth responsibility – when a curfew is imposed, the youths learn on hoe to keep time, by restructuring themselves and setting their own time that they must be at home daily. The youth grows respecting the law, and even in future life, remain to be a responsible person who can be self-programmed.
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