Utah passes America's first 'free-range parenting' bill
In what is the first legislation of its kind in America, Utah has legalised a controversial method of child-rearing called “free-range parenting” that encourages self-sufficiency in children starting at a young age.
The “free-range kids” bill was signed into law by Republican Governor Gary Herbert and states that parents who allow their children to engage in certain activities without supervision are not considered neglectful.
Under the new law, children can legally walk to and from school alone, play outside unattended, be in a car alone, and be at home alone.
Set to take effect on May 8, the law is meant to protect parents whose children display maturity and good judgement.
However, age limits are not defined under the new law – as supporters of the bill believe that cases of abuse or neglect should be dealt with on a “case-by-case basis,” according to the Associated Press.
The news agency also reported that Utah legislators decided to pass the bill after numerous cases where parents had their children temporarily removed after people reported seeing their children unattended.
Senator Lincoln Fillmore told Yahoo Lifestyle: “I feel strongly about the issue because we have become so over-the-top when ‘protecting’ children that we are refusing to let them learn the lessons of self-reliance and problem-solving that they will need to be successful as adults.”
The term “free-range parenting” was coined by Lenore Skenazy almost a decade ago after she made headlines for letting her children take the subway alone at age nine. Regarding the “free-range kids” bill, Ms. Skenazy told The Independent: “I am thrilled.”
“People were so convinced that the second children were unsupervised, they were automatically in danger. I published these cases because I thought it was outrageous. Parents know their kid better than anyone and want to give them freedom,” Ms. Skenazy said.
The mum also pointed out that “crime rate is lower than when we grew up. As the Washington Post reported, there has never been a safer time to be a kid in America”.
Article Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/utah-free-range-parenting-bill-legislation-law-neglect-independence-a8275051.html
Image Source: http://www.todaysparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Jen.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Self-sufficiency (n.) ~ the quality or condition of needing no outside help in satisfying one's basic needs, especially with regard to the production of food
2. Neglectful (adj.) ~ not giving proper care or attention to someone or something
3. Over-the-top (adv./ informal) ~ to an excessive or exaggerated degree
4. Coin (v.) ~ invent or devise (a new word or phrase)
5. Outrageous (adj.) ~ very bold, unusual, and startling
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONS:
1. What is free-range parenting?
2. What do you think are the pros and cons of this kind of parenting technique?
3. What is the difference between neglect and free-range parenting?
