After hundreds of youth—most of them teenagers, but some even younger— converged on National Harbor over a month ago, causing chaos and disrupting the flow of businesses and other activities, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks moved into action.
Under executive order, she issued a juvenile curfew that required unsupervised youth, 16 and younger, to be off the property between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
So far, the curfew, which is overseen by County police, seems to be working. Now, the County council has allowed other portions of Prince George’s to implement curfews with the sponsorship of their local councilmember.
Of course, the goal is to ensure public safety and to reduce incidents of youth engaging in unruly behavior. But isn’t this like putting a bandage over a wound, instead of healing it?
As the school year ends and children find a lot more free time on their hands, it is imperative that we provide wholesome activities in which they can participate.
Some youth may be lucky enough to snag a summer job to occupy their time and to make a few dollars. Others may choose to bone up on their math or reading by enrolling in summer school. As for the majority of children, their options may be more limited. That’s where local businesses, nonprofit organizations, even churches, must step up to the plate.
In some countries, education does not end with a summer break. It continues year round.
However, we realize that youth would lead a rebellion if they were required to attend school summer, winter, spring and fall. But we believe that most of them would rather be having fun, stretching their limbs, engaging with their friends – even learning new concepts along the way, instead of hanging out on corners or mulling around in shopping malls – desperately looking for ways to alleviate boredom.
It’s up to adults to provide positive outlets for our youth. Curfews may help but what’s needed even more are programs, jobs and community centers that will open their doors to our youth.
