What measures can parents take when their teenagers are inclined towards nightlife activities?
In the journey of parenthood, understanding the rights and responsibilities of teenagers, particularly when it comes to going out, is crucial. Here are some key points to help parents navigate this stage.
Firstly, it's essential to know that police controls have specific rights for teenagers. However, it's not about blindly following these rights but rather using them as a guide to ensure your teenager's safety and wellbeing.
As teenagers grow older, they tend to spend more time with their peers. This is a natural part of their development. However, it's important to remember that discussions about sensitive topics such as alcohol, cannabis, and sexuality should occur independently of going out.
When it comes to going out, there is no general rule for the age at which teenagers can start. It depends on the maturity of the individual. A good starting point could be attending movie nights at home, cinema, youth centers, or school discos.
At 16, teenagers can start attending various social events such as private parties at friends' places, school discos, and village or neighborhood festivals.
When agreements regarding going out are broken, it's not beneficial to ban going out altogether. Instead, discuss the situation, point out the broken agreements, and ask the teenager for suggestions and what consequence they deem appropriate. This approach encourages responsibility and learning from mistakes.
Teenagers can learn from their mistakes, and it's essential to figure out why it didn't work and ask the child for suggestions. This not only empowers them but also helps to prevent future misunderstandings.
When your child goes out for the first time, it's crucial to be reachable by phone for emergencies. Being overprotective can make teenagers feel untrusted, so it's important to find a balance between giving them some freedom while communicating clear boundaries.
The Zurich substance prevention office recommends that 12- to 14-year-olds should stay out until 9 pm on weekdays, until 11 pm on weekends and during holidays, and that up to 16-year-olds should stay out until 10 pm on weekdays, until midnight on weekends and during holidays.
For children under 16 in the Zurich area, the organization "Erlebnis Fahrten" offers recommendations and organizes trips and excursions, including supervised travel arrangements and activity programs tailored for this age group.
Lastly, planning a break, especially the first big trip, is an important part of a teenager's development. Sit down with your teenager to set clear rules for going out, and remember that open communication is key in building trust and fostering a healthy relationship.
Stay informed with practical guides and articles for daily life by subscribing to The Most Important Observer Content from Print and Digital, delivered every Wednesday and Sunday in your mailbox for free.
