Newark city officials are taking a step to curb youth-related violence in the city with a curfew that goes into effect this weekend banning children under 18 from being outside overnight. 

“One thing we can all agree on is that a child at 12 and 13-years-olds should not be out at two O’clock in the morning unaccompanied by an adult, parent, or structured environment that which is what we are finding in the city of Newark,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. 

Right now, the curfew is only in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Starting on June 21st, the Summer Safety Initiative will extend to all seven days of the week. Some residents say this could be the first step towards reducing violence in the city. 

“I think it’s great ‘cause they need that ‘cause it’s a lot of killing, shooting, and robbing, stealing cars,” Newark resident Yolanda Rasberry said. “All that’s going on and that should help some of the crime that’s going on here in Newark, New Jersey.”