Emergency powers allow the government to impose curfews, close borders and airports and detain suspects without following normal legal procedures.
Why do you think good girls don't mind 9 p. m. curfews?
In theory, parliament could invoke powers to implement curfews, use water canons or even call in the armed forces.
Did their parents check up on their whereabouts and set curfews?
Tensions are high, as Kyrgyz authorities declared a national state of emergency, and are enforcing curfews in at least three cities.
Protests over the past three years led in 2010 to five months of curfews, boycotts of shops, offices and schools-known as hartals-and stone-throwing by youngsters.
But soldiers and curfews are only a temporary solution.
Each day, defying curfews, crowds in Srinagar and several outlying districts gather to pelt stones at police.
For all teens, clear rules such as curfews help them regulate themselves.