By Jessilyn Lancaster
Are children in America overly supervised? Some experts and psychologists would say yes.
In a post to Instagram, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt shared an article from The Atlantic that points to just this.
“The decline in childhood independence in America has been gradual, until we are now in stark contrast to other developed nations,” he began in the caption of the post. “As mentioned in this article, children in Paris (and other European cities and towns) are often allowed to roam free, and certainly to walk to and from school alone or on public transit.”
The article explains how more than ever, children are not allowed the freedom to roam. The article even suggests that “some psychologists trace the ongoing decline in American children’s mental-wellbeing directly to the constraints on their freedom.”
Haidt revealed that some organizations are working to pass laws that give children more freedom.
“Thanks to @letgroworg, now nine states have passed reasonable childhood independence laws, which make it ok for kids to be out unsupervised at certain ages below 12, if the parent deems it safe,” he explained. “I cofounded Let Grow with @lenoreskenazy_freerange, who is quoted in this article and who shaped much of my thinking around free play and the fourth norm I urge we adopt — ‘more independence, free play, and responsibility in the real world.’”
Haidt is also the author of the book The Anxious Generation which “lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time.”
In his Instagram post, Haidt continues, “I argue not only for delaying smartphones and social media but also for adding healthy childhood activities back. There’s a real #opportunitycost to kids and teens spending 9 hours a day on screens for entertainment — they miss out on healthy, growth-promoting activities that foster play and independence.”
People in the comment section chimed in with their thoughts and concerns. “What about the rise in sex trafficking? I don’t know the statistics, but I feel it’s a much bigger issue than say, 30-40 years ago,” one person said. Another person added, “I love the idea of this and wish my kids could experience this but I feel with the huge technology growth that we have now compared to for example the 80s, makes kidnapping and trafficking so much easier and more likely.”
So what is the answer for parents who want to give their kids more freedom but protect their safety? As with everything, there is wisdom in balance. Parents can limit screen time and supervise their children with outdoor activities, all of which will promote a healthier, and less anxious child.
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