How getting richer made teenagers less free
19 hours ago
- #parenting
- #autonomy
- #childhood
- In the early 20th century, many teenagers worked in dangerous factories to support their families, preferring work over school due to harsh conditions and the immediate benefits of earning money.
- Economic growth and societal changes have drastically improved child mortality rates, education access, and overall living conditions, leading to increased protection and supervision of children.
- Modern parenting trends show a significant delay in granting children autonomy, with many parents and non-parents believing children should not be left alone until ages 14-17.
- Overprotection has led to reduced independence for children, with many fearing legal consequences like CPS investigations for allowing kids to play unsupervised.
- The shift to highly supervised childhoods has been accelerated by CPS investigations, which, while often unfounded, heighten parental anxiety and restrict children's activities.
- Black voters are more likely to support CPS intervention for unsupervised play, possibly due to higher perceived risks for Black children, though absolute risks remain low.
- Teenagers today have less physical autonomy but more digital access, which may negatively impact their mental health and worldview due to lack of real-world experiences.
- Teen suicide rates have increased since the 1950s, potentially linked to reduced opportunities for meaningful participation in society and lack of agency.
- Car-centric urban design limits children's mobility and independence, restricting their ability to socialize and explore their environment without parental supervision.
- Recent legislation, like Connecticut's Public Act 23-176, aims to balance child safety with independence by clarifying that unsupervised activities like walking to school are not neglect.