EDITORIAL: Do you know where your children are?

Not so long ago — well, long enough that only those of us over 40 remember it — TV stations would run a public service announcement following their 10 o’clock news. The message was brief and to the point: “Parents, it’s 10:30. Do you know where your children are?”

TV stations don’t run that message anymore, perhaps because they figure it’s more important to tell us viewers about the guests on Letterman or O’Brien than to remind us of our parental responsibilities. That’s OK — we shouldn’t have to be told this, anyway.

All the same, we’re thankful that the McLeod County Board of Commissioners has decided to remind parents to know where their children are.

The county has adopted a curfew ordinance. It’s not yet in effect. First, a public hearing must take place —that’s set for Nov. 3.
We have no doubt it will help law enforcement officials, especially sheriff’s deputies patrolling rural areas, who meet up with young people who should be at home. Most cities in McLeod County already have curfews, so this new ordinance will only affect rural areas outside city limits.

Under the ordinance, minors will not be allowed in public areas or on business’ premises without a parent or guardian during the following hours:

< children 13 or younger, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.,
< children 15 or younger, between 10 p.m and 6 a.m.,
< children 16 or younger, between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.,
< and children 17 or younger, between midnight and 6 a.m.
Several exceptions will apply, including:
< children on the job, or heading to and from it,
< children attending an officially sponsored school, religious or other recreational activity supervised by adults,
< children on an errand at the behest of their parents or guardians, without making any detours or stops,
< and several other conditions.

Parents who are concerned about their children’s best interests already are abiding by the curfew, simply by using common sense. Parents who care about their kids have rules that keep their children out of trouble and safe at home.

Those who don’t are either too busy or don’t care. Either way, it’s a sad commentary on society when our county must take on this parental role — but we’re glad the County Board is doing it.

Curfews are good for several reasons:

< Curfews help prevent gang activities.
< Curfews save children’s lives by forcing them to stay inside where they are safe.
< Police can more easily find missing and runaway children when curfews keep all the other kids at home.
< Many kids already don’t get enough sleep, so having them at home is one step closer to getting them to bed on time.

These are only a few of many reasons why children need a curfew.

We think it’s a good thing.

(Editorials are written by Publisher Matt McMillan and Editor Doug Hanneman. They can be reached at mcmillan@hutchinsonleader.com, or hanneman@hutchinsonleader.com.)