Childhood freedoms curtailed by parents

A GfK NOP poll commissioned as part of the Good Childhood Inquiry found that just under half the adults questioned (43 per cent) thought that 14 was the earliest age at which children should be allowed to go out unsupervised. 

Judy Dunn, professor of Developmental Psychology at King’s College London, who is chairing the inquiry said: “It does seem the pendulum has swung too far, with some respondents in the poll even saying children should not be allowed out until they are 16, which is unrealistic. 

Of course it depends on where a family lives, and what sort of kids are around, but I would really urge parents who live in reasonable circumstances to try to be much more relaxed about letting their children do things with friends unsupervised, given how important friendship is for young people.”

(Times p1 and p4; Telegraph p4; Mail p24)