Parents! Let´s remember the outdoor activity regulations

Summer outdoor activity hours for children and teenagers

The municipality of Hafnarfjörður agrees with the SAMAN group and points out that spending time together is the best summer gift.

From May 1st, children aged 12 and younger can be outside until 10 PM. Those aged 13 to 16 can be outside until midnight. Children are not allowed to be in public places outside of these hours unless accompanied by an adult.

The rules may be adjusted for the latter group when teenagers are on their way home from recognized school, sports, or youth events. Age is determined by birth year. Parents are, of course, allowed to shorten this time and set their own rules regarding shorter outdoor activity hours for their children.

The outdoor activity regulations in child protection laws

The outdoor activity regulations are according to child protection laws. They are intended, among other things, to ensure sufficient sleep, which is essential for children and teenagers. The need for sleep is individual, but it can be assumed that children and teenagers 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 that they are not on their phones or computers when they are supposed to be in bed. According to Article 92 of the child protection laws, the outdoor activity hours for children (0-18 years) are as follows:

Outdoor activity hours during summer time (May 1st to September 1st)

• 12 years and younger may be outdoors until 10 PM
• 13 to 16 years may be outdoors until midnight

Outdoor activity hours during winter time (September 2nd – April 30th)

• Children 12 years and younger may be outdoors until 8 PM
• Children 13 to 16 years may be outdoors until 10 PM

Let’s stand together!

Every year, the SAMAN group encourages parents to familiarize themselves with the rules regarding outdoor activity hours for children and teenagers. The main focus has been on changes in the fall when the group is responsible for publishing ads to remind parents and children of the change in outdoor activity hours. The health town of Hafnarfjörður encourages parents to stand together and respect the outdoor activity rules.