Mar 17, 2025
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
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
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