Parents, be united – remember the outdoor rules
Children aged 12 and under may be out until 10 p.m. Those aged 13 to 16 may be out until midnight. Children may not be in a public place outside these hours unless accompanied by an adult. These are the summer rules. Parents are, of course, permitted to shorten this time and set their children rules for shorter periods of being out and about.
Summer activities for children and teenagers
Hafnarfjörður agrees with the Saman Group and points out that spending time together is the best summer gift.
From 1st May, children aged 12 and under may be outdoors until 10 p.m. Those aged 13 to 16 may be outdoors until midnight. Children may not be in a public place outside of these times unless accompanied by an adult.
The rules may be relaxed for the latter group when teenagers are on their way home from an approved school, sports or youth event. Age is based on the year of birth. Parents are, of course, free to shorten this period and set their children shorter curfews.
The outdoor play rules in the Child Protection Act
The outdoor activity rules are in accordance with child protection laws. They are intended, among other things, to ensure sufficient sleep, which is essential for children and adolescents. The need for sleep is individual, but it is estimated that children and adolescents of primary school age need ten hours of sleep per night.
It is important to ensure that children and teenagers get enough sleep. This includes making sure they are not on their phone or computer when they should be in bed. According to section 92 of the Child Protection Act, the curfews for children (aged 0-18) are as follows:
Outdoor hours during the summer season (1 May to 1 September)
- Children aged 12 and under may be out until 10 p.m.
- 13 to 16-year-olds may be out until 12 midnight.
Outdoor opening hours during the winter season (2 September – 30 April)
- Children aged 12 and under may be out until 8 p.m.
- Children aged 13 to 16 may be out until 10 p.m.
Let's be united!
Every year has The SAMAN group (samanhopurinn.is) Parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the rules regarding the curfews for children and teenagers. The main focus has been on the autumn changes, when the group runs adverts to remind parents and children of the change to the curfew.
The health town of Hafnarfjörður encourages parents to stand together and respect the outdoor recreation rules.