MEMPHIS, Tenn. — At a time when there is growing concern about crime in Memphis, a little reminder can go a long way.
It’s 10:00; a time when parents should know where their children are.
“He just graduated from high school, but I still keep tabs on him because we all need to know where our children are,” said Tanya Andrews, a mom from West Memphis.
About 40 years ago, when stations first started asking the question, it was a different era.
Crime was different and so was what children faced, but the message was about accountability.
“When I was little, I had to be in by the time the street lights came on. So I think you should always know where your children are,” said Ciara Chaney of Collierville.
Now, with much of the crime in the Mid-South being committed by young people, there is an urgent call for parents to make sure their kids are off the streets.
It led WREG to give careful thought and move forward with bringing the message back.
“It’s 10:00. Do you know where your children are? ”
“We’ve got to fight for this community. We can’t stand by and wait for someone else to do something. We are all responsible for doing something and that’s why we are doing it. It’s a call to action,” said WREG News Director Bruce Moore.
Many of you think we are right on target.
“I grew up in a household that was pretty strict and my parents definitely knew where I was at 10:00. So I do. I am a big fan of it,” said Trey Casey of Downtown Memphis.
“I know where my children are. Parents should be held accountable on where their children are. I totally agree with it,” added Theresa Hill of Whitehaven.
City leaders are also on board.
“I am gonna ask parents to keep up with their kids. I know Channel 3, we appreciate you putting out ‘It’s 10:00. Do you know where your children are at?’ We need parents to make sure they know where their children are at,” said Interim Memphis Police Director Mike Rallings.
“If you are a teen, really nothing good happens after nine or ten o’clock at night. It’s much better for them if they are inside with their families,” said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland.
“It’s 10:00. Do you know where your children are? ”
WREG plans to continue running the message this summer.
