Editorial: Keeping kids safe at night

I associate curfews with war zones.

A tool used in extreme cases to curb violence in war-torn cities in far-flung countries destabilised by sectarian violence and gun battles in the streets.

Yesterday, the Bay of Plenty Times reported parents in one Tauranga suburb felt the streets have become so dangerous that a curfew was needed to keep roaming youths off the street at night.

Worried for the safety of their children and grandchildren, Marian Adams and Lana Wharakura called a meeting to discuss the problems facing Merivale.

The women were spurred to action after a night of violence three weeks ago in which a teenage girl was sexually assaulted and, in a separate incident, a 20-year-old man stabbed.

On the same night, about 40 teenagers congregated in the street outside Ms Adams' house and began fighting with fists and bottles.

Ms Adams has lived in Huntly where police worked with the community to keep children off the street at night.

While a curfew is not lawful because it restricts freedom of movement, Huntly police say there is provision to return young people under the age of 17 back to their parents and guardian under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act.

In a perfect world, none of this would be necessary. Parents would ensure their children were tucked up in bed at a reasonable hour.

They would know - yes, even care - about their child's health and wellbeing and where they spent their time.

Of course, this is not a perfect world. Perhaps being confronted by police about letting their children run amok in the streets will make some parents do their duty.

This would be better for their children and the community in which they live.