A small town in Quebec has sparked controversy with its new bylaw that requires children to collect signatures in order to play in the street.
The bylaw, which was recently passed in the town of Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, states that children under the age of 14 must obtain at least 15 signatures from their neighbors before they are allowed to play on the street. The signatures must be collected on a petition form provided by the town’s administration.
According to the town’s mayor, the bylaw was put in place to ensure the safety of children playing on the street. “We have received complaints from residents about children playing on the street and causing a disturbance,” said Mayor Simon Gagnon. “This bylaw will help us keep track of who is playing on the street and ensure that they have permission from their neighbors.”
However, the bylaw has received backlash from parents and child advocacy groups, who argue that it is unnecessary and infringes on children’s right to play. “Children should be able to play freely and without restrictions in their own neighborhood,” said Sarah Smith, a parent and member of the advocacy group Kids First. “Requiring them to collect signatures is not only burdensome, but it also sends a message that their play is not welcome.”
The bylaw has also raised concerns about the safety of children who may not have enough signatures to play on the street. “What happens to the children who are unable to collect enough signatures?” asked child psychologist Dr. Emily Jones. “Are they not allowed to play on the street? This could have a negative impact on their social and emotional development.”
The town’s administration has stated that they will be monitoring the implementation of the bylaw and will make adjustments if necessary. They have also assured that children who are unable to collect enough signatures will not be prohibited from playing on the street.
The bylaw has sparked a debate about the balance between safety and children’s right to play. While some argue that it is necessary to ensure the safety of children, others believe that it is an unnecessary restriction on their freedom. As the town of Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval continues to navigate this issue, it remains to be seen how the bylaw will affect the children and families in the community.
