ShopWhat time should a teenager be home?
There's no national curfew law in the U.S. Some cities and states have one, and they all look a little different. Everything else is up to families. Here's how it works, and how much sleep fits around it.
Curfew laws: it depends where you live
Juvenile curfews are set by cities, counties or states, not the federal government. Where they exist, weeknight curfews often start somewhere between 9 and 11 p.m. and run until early morning, usually around 5 or 6 a.m., with later times on weekends. Most have exceptions, for example when you're with a parent, coming from work, or at a school or religious event.
To find out what applies to you, check your city or county website or ask the local police department. Rules for new drivers are separate: most states limit late-night driving for teens with a new license. Your state's DMV has the details.
Setting a house curfew
Good agreements are specific: where you're going, who you're with, how you're getting home, and by when. School nights look different from weekends.
Teens who check in reliably usually earn more freedom faster. And if you're running late, call before you're late, not after.
And how much sleep?
Teens between 13 and 18 usually need 8 to 10 hours of sleep, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. If you get up at 6:30 a.m., that means being asleep, not just in bed, by around 10:30 p.m.
What helps: keeping the phone off the nightstand at night, and a regular bedtime, roughly the same on weekends. And if your head won't quiet down at night, it helps to empty it onto paper.
Head full? What helps at night How to say no
Sources
FAQ
What's a good curfew for a 14-year-old?
There's no legal standard everywhere, so start with your local curfew ordinance if there is one. Many families set an earlier time on school nights and a later one on weekends, and adjust as trust grows.
Is there a curfew law in my city?
Maybe. Curfews are set locally or by some states. Check your city or county website or ask the local police department.
How much sleep do teens need?
Usually 8 to 10 hours a night between ages 13 and 18, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
What time should a teenager go to bed?
Count back 8 to 10 hours from when you have to get up. Up at 6:30 a.m. means asleep by around 10:30 p.m.
ELSEWISE tells stories. We are not psychologists, doctors or counselors, and we can't give you personal advice. If something is weighing on you, talk to someone you trust or contact one of the services on our help page.