THIS is a response to last Saturday's letter, 'Ban teen parties that go on past midnight' by Mr Joshua Allan Feng. The writer called on parents, businesses and the Government to work hand in hand to cultivate healthy and responsible lifestyle habits among the young.

His concerns about safety are valid, given that his child is a 16-year-old girl. However, I disagree with his suggestions.

Parents are just as responsible, if not more, for their children's welfare, and they really should assert their role.

Eliminating after-midnight parties will not make youth return home. Neither will it cultivate healthy lifestyles. Youngsters will just find other things to do and places to hang out at when the parties are over.

While being supportive of letting his child have a social life, Mr Feng needs to set a time by which his daughter should reach home, if he feels that 'low crime does not mean no crime'.

Parents are in the best position to inform their children of the possible dangers that lurk beyond their homes. And most certainly, parents have the right and authority to decide if the social activities their children engage in are appropriate or not.

Esther Chen (Ms)

This article was first published in The Straits Times.