Utah recently passed a law that allows kids to play outside without parents worrying about authorities questioning their parenting. The law clears up the difference between letting kids be independent and actual neglect, giving kids the freedom to ride bikes and play outside alone.
When I shared this news on Facebook, I expected parents to be happy about it. Surprisingly, the responses I got were more worried, with comments like, “At least I know my kids are safe when I’m overprotective,” or concerns about increased risks from dangerous strangers, and suggestions that times have changed since we were kids.
It’s important to understand the data behind these fears. Statistically, kids are actually safer today than they have been in recorded history. For instance, children today are much more likely to be hurt in a car accident than to be harmed while playing outside alone. The chance of a child being kidnapped is less than 1 in 300,000, often involving a family member rather than a stranger. On the other hand, they have a greater chance of choking on food.
The Utah law makes it clear that letting responsible children play outside isn’t neglect. It was created because calling child services over unsupervised play has unfortunately become common. But why are such laws even necessary?
The constant barrage of negative news has made us overly fearful for our kids’ safety, even though crime rates for both children and adults are lower now than they were in 1963. Parents often remember playing outside without worry, yet our perception of safety has now shifted.
Many experts argue that overprotection is harmful to kids’ development. Kids lacking freedom to explore don’t develop problem-solving skills and street smarts. They’re missing out on important life skills that help them handle challenges and overcome fears.
Staying inside means kids spend more time with screens and less developing healthy outdoor habits, leading to problems with obesity and anxiety. Outdoor play boosts physical health, supports vitamin intake, enhances mood and creativity, and builds resilience.
Not convinced? Look at how children around the world spend their time. Many countries encourage unsupervised play, fostering independence. Meanwhile, in our busy schedules filled with structured activities, it’s critical to ensure kids have unstructured playtime.
Instead of fearing the rare dangers of outdoor play, it might be better to create safe spaces for kids to explore and learn independence. Letting them take small risks helps develop their judgment and resilience.
Ultimately, the decision about how much freedom to allow should be up to parents, taking into account their own circumstances. The important takeaway is to balance safety with giving children the chance to grow into responsible, independent adults.
I’m passionate about my kids growing up with enough unsupervised outdoor play. What are your thoughts? Feel free to share, keeping the conversation respectful and considerate.
