“Late Nights, Lost Lives. Can Curfews Help Save Our Children?

Curfews

Dear Families,

Let’s talk—really talk—about something that’s been gaining attention in cities across the country: curfews for teenagers. Some states are now enforcing stricter curfew laws in response to growing concerns about youth safety, nighttime violence, and rising cases of missing children. This isn't about punishment—it's about protection. But it also raises important questions. Can curfews save lives? Are they fair? And more importantly, are we having these conversations at home?

We’ve seen troubling news reports of teens getting caught up in situations with law enforcement, or becoming victims of violence and exploitation during late-night hours. Now, while it’s true that not all teens are the same—and not every youth out at night is in trouble—the reality is that most crimes and mishaps tend to happen after dark. That’s a hard truth, but it’s one we must consider.

So what’s really out there late at night? Illegal activity, human trafficking, prostitution, and other dangers that thrive under the cover of darkness. We can't shelter our children from everything, but we can set boundaries that teach responsibility. And curfews are just one part of that. They offer a simple question to consider: "If you’re not doing something productive, then why are you out?"

Let’s also think about the rise in missing women and children. When a teen doesn’t return home at a set time, it becomes much easier for parents to recognize a potential emergency. Curfews can act as an early warning system—giving us a chance to alert authorities in a timely way. In an era where everything moves fast and social media accelerates teenage exposure to adult topics, we still have a responsibility to protect our youth from growing up too soon—and from dangers they may not even see coming. But how do we find a middle ground?

It starts with conversation. As parents, we must sit down with our teens early on and talk about the why behind the rules. We have to be honest about the dangers that exist and explain that adulthood is not defined by how late you stay out—but by how well you can discipline yourself and make smart choices. And if your teen has a night job or late activities, it’s okay to take that extra step—pick them up, walk them home, or have them share their location. In today’s world, extra caution is not overprotective—it’s necessary.

Gone are the days where community watchful eyes kept everyone safe. We can get back to those values, but until we do, setting house rules and curfews is one of the best forms of love and protection we can offer.

What is a fair curfew? That depends on the maturity, responsibility, and track record of each teen. Some parents still follow the classic “streetlights rule.” For others, it may vary depending on the day of the week or the reason for being out. The key is consistency and communication. Start small, monitor progress, and reward responsibility. If your teen consistently follows the rules and respects time, there may be room for flexibility. But if rebellion and irresponsibility show up at home, it’s likely they show up outside too—and that's a red flag.

Ultimately, the goal is not control—it’s connection. When we communicate, when we stay involved, and when we set clear expectations, we can prevent a lot of the pain that comes from being reactive instead of proactive.

So we ask you, dear reader—are curfews outdated, or are they a necessary tool to help us save our children from dangers they may not fully understand? Can curfews help reduce the alarming numbers of missing Black women and children? Are cities right to push this policy forward, or does it need more community input?

Let this newsletter spark a healthy discussion around your dinner table tonight. Because while we can’t be everywhere our teens go, we can help shape the decisions they make—one conversation at a time.

In faith, love, and community,

Bro. LeVon X – Community Reporting