Are Adults Preventing Kids Freedom?

As most of us know, the pandemic has trapped us in our houses for quite a while. The only places we can go to are at the grocery store and other emergent places like the pharmacy. There is not a lot to do, especially for teens. During the pandemic, teens have been sitting inside all day playing video games, and their eyes glued to the TV. Some of them go on walks and ride their bikes; however, only when their parents permit them to do so.

This generation of parents is too strict on their children. Despite this, it may not be a bad thing, but your daughter or son then has no freedom whatsoever. When I ask my parents if I can bike to a friend’s house, they say no, and offer to drive instead. Nevertheless, I do not think that it is fair: They always tell stories of when they were teens and how my parents snuck out and biked anywhere when they pleased. I am sure they had rules; however, they had a vast amount of freedom compared to what we have today. 

The problem is that parents are not allowing their children to go outside without an adult accompanying them. “A new study from the Pew Research Center indicates 59 percent of girls and 84 percent of boys 13-17 play video games.” Because parents are not letting children explore outside, teens are choosing to play on electronics instead. Going outside has several positive impacts that are not present when staying inside all day. Strengthening your immune system, boosting your mood, and reducing inflammation which can improve health. If one had nothing to do all day, then they would sit in front of a TV screen playing video games, similar to the other 90% of American kids who do so daily. Therefore, a solution must take place: Remove kids from TV screens and let them walk outside with their friends; let them have some freedom that all grownups once had when they were younger. Parents may think that permitting their child to go somewhere without an adult’s supervision is dangerous, especially with crime going on today. However, according to The Washington Post, the missing children rate has gone down 40% since 1997. So, when you do not allow your child to walk to the park, you may want to reconsider.

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3 thoughts on “Are Adults Preventing Kids Freedom?

  1. I like how you used that parent always talked about the place they biked to when the where teens. I think your call of action could have been a little more clear to the reader on how should be less strict.

  2. Jenna, I love this writing. I can totally relate to this topic. You had strong facts and you were very persuasive.Keep up the incredible work!!

  3. I thought this was a really good topic a lot of kids could relate to. You had a lot of good information.

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