Curfew facts for kids
A curfew is a special rule that limits when people can be outside. It often means you are not allowed to be on the streets after a certain time, usually at night. Think of it like a bedtime, but for a whole town or city!
Why Curfews Are Used
Curfews are sometimes put in place by governments. This can happen during difficult times, like a war or when there is a lot of trouble in a city. The idea is to keep people safe and prevent problems from getting worse. By keeping people indoors, it can help stop violence or large gatherings.
Curfews can also be set for young people. For example, a town might have a rule that teenagers under a certain age must be home by a specific time, like 10 PM. This is usually done to help keep young people safe and out of harm's way.
Where the Word "Curfew" Comes From
The word "curfew" has an interesting history! It comes from an old French phrase, "couvre-feu." This means "cover the fire." Long ago, in medieval times, people used this phrase to describe the time when everyone had to put out their lamps and candles for the night. It was a way to prevent fires from spreading in towns. Over time, the word changed to mean a rule about staying indoors.
Images for kids
-
Enforcing a curfew in Hebron, 1969.
See also
In Spanish: Toque de queda para niños