Curfew Bylaw
The word curfew comes from the French term, "courvrefeu," meaning "to cover fire." In the feudal era, a bell would ring to alert the villagers to put out their fires and go to bed for the night. William the Conqueror even used an 8:00 p.m. curfew in 1068.
The Stirling Curfew Bylaw was passed on October 15th, 1930 and states:
Any child under the age of fourteen years of age is not to be on the streets after nine pm without proper guardianship. At this time the constable or person in charge will ring the school bell to tell the children it is time to be back inside.
The purpose of the bylaw is to assist parents and legal guardians in exercising authority over their children to keep them safe from harm. This bylaw serves two purposes, one, which emphasizes individual safety and well being, as well as protection from damage to public and private property. This bylaw has been amended from nine pm to nine fifteen pm.
Watch as students explain the details of the "Curfew Bylaw" in Stirling in the 3 videos below.
