Kids and teens are experiencing less independence than in the past — whether due to screen time, parents' fears of letting them roam freely, or other factors. It’s a problem. But why? And what can be done?

In this episode, host Dr. Delaney Ruston discusses this important topic with journalist Lenore Skenazy, who was labeled “America's Worst Mom” after letting her 9-year-old take the New York City subway home alone. Skenazy has spent years sounding the alarm on the harms of decreased youth autonomy, including co-founding Let Grow with psychologists Jonathan Haidt and Peter Gray.

This episode explores the factors contributing to decreased independence and offers tools for parents and schools to combat this trend. It also examines the role of technology and tracking devices in this context, addressing both their benefits and potential pitfalls. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences.

 

Featured Expert

Lenore Skenazy

 

Books

Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy

 

Research References

Mott Poll Report: Promoting children’s Independence: What parents say vs do

Media violence, physical aggression, and relational aggression in school age children: a short-term longitudinal study. (Aggressive Behavior) 

 

Additional Resources

Lenore Skenazy’s blog

LetGrow.Org

 

Time Code

00:00 Introduction

00:20 The Decline of Children's Autonomy

01:02 Challenges in Encouraging Independence

01:22 Parental Concerns and Media Influence

02:00 Exploring Solutions with Lenore Skenazy

02:39 Lenore's Controversial Parenting Decision

08:21 The Birth of Free Range Kids Movement

10:07 Statistics and Parental Fears

18:05 Let Grow Initiative and School Programs

22:34 Technology's Role in Children's Independence

32:44 Conclusion and Resources