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Latwell Nyangu Youth Interactive Writer
I believe there are two indisputable truths about teenage life, it won’t last forever and it won’t be easy.
It’s important to realise that while this teenage life continues to challenge our makeup and foundation, the source of perseverance doesn’t come from pretending that we can handle it.
Not by living a cold life, but by realising that other people can be cold too, can guide us through the storm.
Teenage and student life is beautiful. It’s difficult and harder than high school.
This is the most favourable time to demonstrate a certain freedom and flexibility.
Sometimes this is when we can experiment and show our true colours.
Some of us enjoy a certain freedom when we go to school or college, but as soon as we return home, we feel like we are in prison.
But the hardest part for teenagers (students) is being told to “go home by 6 pm” or go back to where you were.
These situations are very common for parents or school administrators, especially students or children.
This week I will tackle a very controversial but real issue.
As always, I write down the reality as I see it and interpret what comes through to my ears.
I have a lot of questions surrounding curfews for teens. Is it good or bad and for whom?
While curfews can be effective in promoting responsibility and safety, they can also have negative consequences if not carefully enforced.
Proponents of curfews say they are implemented with good intentions, to protect teenagers from harm.
They believe that by setting specific times for students to return home, curfews can reduce the risk of dangerous situations late at night.
This is especially important in areas with high crime rates or frequent incidents of harassment and assault.
And those same advocates say curfews can help parents feel more comfortable knowing their children are safe at home.
But the challenge in imposing curfews on teenagers is to balance personal safety and freedom, evaluate the effectiveness of these measures, address the challenges of enforcing them, and identify Appropriate age limits. While curfews may provide a sense of security for parents and guardians, it is essential to consider alternative approaches that focus on addressing underlying social issues and promoting the positive development of adolescents.
Striking a balance between protecting children and respecting their autonomy is crucial in navigating this complex issue.
Many times I see female students indicating that they should be home by 5 pm while some can go beyond 6 pm but fears will always grip them.
One thing that has been surprising me, is that, despite such curfews, we still see the same ages out even during the odd hours.
Last weekend was a busy one, where Harare was filled with many events which were suitable for the young ages.
I was not surprised to see such big numbers of teens at different events and I attended two of them, the Jacaranda Festival and the Saintfloew album launch.
To say the least, it was important if we could have seen it on your own.
Many questions ran over my mind, did all these teens get ‘visas’ to be out this hour?My answers were neither here nor there as I believed some could have escaped or gave excuses that convinced their parents or guardians.
Whether they got visas or not, the laws are there to be broken (satirically).
There is a need to strike a balance between parents and their children.
At times they feel it infringes their rights while parents also feel it will be protecting their children.
Last time, I indicated that parents should have time with their children as it will help to understand what they want, expect, and love most.
Telling them to be responsible is the way to go.
What I believe in, there are no sacred cows in curfews as parents stick to that traditional rule.
But does this rule apply to males as well? Life is never fair, trust me it’s not but it is what it is.
However, I am not going deeper as this will touch much on gender main streaming, something that will trigger some endless debates.
I am a proponent of curfews and I still believe and trust that they help teenagers understand the importance of being accountable for their actions and whereabouts. By setting a specific time for their return, parents can ensure that their children are safe and avoid engaging in risky behaviours.
Curfews for students have been a topic of debate for many years. On one side, proponents argue that curfews are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of teens. They believe that imposing curfews can protect them from potential dangers such as crime, harassment, and assault.
On the other side, proponents argue that curfews infringe upon the rights and autonomy of children. They believe that curfews are unnecessary and discriminatory, as they specifically target and restrict the freedom of young women.
Additionally, supporters of curfews claim that they can promote discipline and responsibility among female students. By adhering to a set curfew, young women are encouraged to develop time management skills and prioritize their academic responsibilities. Proponents argue that this can lead to better academic performance and overall personal development.
Despite some opponents arguing that it is unfair to place restrictions on one gender while allowing more freedom for another, I still feel it is important.
Furthermore, some opponents claim that curfews can hinder the social development of students. By limiting their ability to engage in social activities during late hours, curfews may prevent young women from participating in extracurricular activities, attending social events, or spending time with friends. This can hurt their social skills, self-confidence, and overall well-being.
However, opponents of curfews also argue that they do not address the root causes of the issues they aim to solve. Instead of focusing on restricting the movements of female students, they believe that efforts should be directed toward addressing the underlying societal issues such as gender-based violence, harassment, and inequality.
By tackling these issues at their core, opponents argue that curfews would become unnecessary.
The debate surrounding curfews for students remains complex and multifaceted.
On the positive side, a curfew can help students establish a routine and a sense of discipline, which can lead to better time management and improved academic performance. A curfew can also help students develop healthier sleep habits, which can improve their overall health and well-being. On the negative side, a curfew can limit a student’s social life and restrict their ability to participate in extracurricular activities or part-time jobs that may require them to be out late. It can also cause resentment and rebellion if the curfew feels overly strict or unfair.
Overall, the effect of a curfew on students will depend on a variety of factors, such as the age of the student, the reason for the curfew, the enforcement of the curfew, and the cultural context in which the curfew is imposed.
No matter the day or evening, you must insist on knowing your teen’s whereabouts.
One of the main predicaments of imposing curfews on children is the balance between safety and personal freedom. Advocates for curfews argue that they help protect children from potential harm, such as accidents, crime, or exposure to risky situations.
Freedom or no freedom, be responsible!
Moreover, enforcing curfews can be challenging and may lead to unintended consequences. Parents or authorities responsible for enforcing curfews may face difficulties in monitoring compliance or dealing with situations where children violate curfew rules.
Furthermore, the age at which curfews are imposed can also be a predicament. Determining an appropriate age for curfew restrictions is subjective and varies across jurisdictions.
Some argue that younger children require stricter curfews to ensure their safety and well-being, while older adolescents may benefit from more flexibility and independence.
Freedom or no freedom, be responsible!
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