CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Police say the teen curfew that was put in place earlier this summer is showing positive results. The rule, which keeps anyone 17 years old and under out of the central business district after 9 p.m., has led to fewer problems involving minors.
Why the Curfew Was Put in Place
The City of Charleston created the curfew in response to several crime incidents involving teens, especially in the King Street area. Police say it’s making a difference by keeping teens off the streets at night.
“It’s working,” said Sgt. Christopher Stinson of the Charleston Police Department. “Parents are not dropping their kids off on King Street during late-night hours where kids don’t belong.”
How It’s Being Enforced
So far, only one citation has been issued — and that was because the minor was also committing another crime. For other teens out past curfew, police are choosing to educate rather than ticket them.
“We’ve had about 12 interactions,” said Sgt. Stinson. “We’re informing teens about the curfew and checking to see if they meet any exceptions.”
Police have been using this time to explain the rules and send kids home if needed.
Teens Speak Up: “What About the Root Causes?”
While police say the curfew is helping, some teens in Charleston feel there’s more to the story. High school student Zuriel Nyamutsaka believes the city should look into why teens are out at night in the first place.
“Is it because there are no recreational activities? Is it because there are no opportunities at home?” Nyamutsaka asked.
She and others believe that simply restricting where teens go doesn’t solve the underlying problems. They want to see more youth programs, job opportunities, and positive activities in place.
Will the Curfew Be Permanent?
Right now, the curfew is temporary, but some hope it leads to a better youth policy in the future.
“I don’t think this will be permanent,” Nyamutsaka said. “But it could be part of a learning curve for how we deal with teens and crime.”
Charleston’s teen curfew is helping keep the streets calmer at night, according to police. But while officers focus on enforcement and education, many young people say the city needs to go deeper — by addressing the real reasons teens are out late. The curfew may be a first step, but the bigger goal is finding long-term solutions that give young people better choices and safer futures.
