Classes have resumed for thousands of students after a fun-filled spring break for District of Columbia Public Schools and Prince George’s County Public Schools, but not all children from D.C. and Maryland used their hiatus for good.
Metro police report that six youth were arrested last weekend at The Wharf in Southwest, D.C. after a large group of juveniles reportedly gathered to fight. Five teens were arrested for disorderly conduct while another was charged with assaulting a police officer.
Last summer, D.C. police initiated a youth curfew in efforts to curtail violence and keep residents and tourists safe. And while there’s no youth curfew currently in place in the District, Prince George’s County police have already begun to enforce its policy at the National Harbor, which prohibits those under 18 from frequenting the popular destination on Friday or Saturday nights unless they’re accompanied by an adult.
It’s not like both venues lack an adequate number of things for youth to do that allow them to play, explore and enjoy themselves. A quick survey reveals there are plenty of safe, healthy and fun activities and outlets for young people to do that they can already enjoy.
Perhaps youth might be more willing to abandon reckless, sometimes dangerous behavior, if they were introduced to new things like meditation, a creatives club, gardening opportunities, and artistic and athletic outlets. Like birds learning to fly, they can’t spread their wings until someone shows them the way.
But the real onus rests with parents who are ultimately responsible for the actions of their children. Some may lament, “I don’t know how to control my children,” but that’s an unacceptable excuse.
Most young people want to have fun. Most youth are eager to learn. And, yes, most children will test the boundaries, try their parents’ patience and cast caution to the wind.
What’s the answer? The best thing we can give our children is our time and wisdom.
They need to know that disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Further, youth need to know that when they get home — no matter what time that may be — their parents are there to offer a safe, supportive environment that encourages good choices and behavior, not just to ease their lives as young people, but to prepare them for success in the future.