What is the author's main claim or argument? Legal curfews for teens are an unnecessary violation of individual liberties and should be abolished. Law enforcement should only enforce teen curfews in densely populated areas. Enforcing teen curfews will lead to growing resentment and distrust of the police force. Legal curfews should exist only when parents do not administer a curfew.

The debate over teen curfews can be traced back to various social movements, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, when rising concerns over juvenile crime led many municipalities to impose curfews. Advocates argued it was a way to protect youth during dangerous nighttime hours, but opponents pointed out that such regulations often infringe on individual freedoms and parental authority. In today’s world, where community engagement and collaboration are key to effective policing, many communities are finding innovative ways to address teen behavior without resorting to curfews. Programs focusing on youth mentorship, safe spaces for teens, and open dialogue with law enforcement are proving effective in building trust, while also providing the necessary support to deter negative behaviors.