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Is a Free-Range Parent Law a Good Idea? [MovetheWorldFilms.org]

 

This month, Utah’s free-range parenting law goes into effect. The bill amends the definition of parental neglect regarding children. In Utah it is now okay for parents to let their kids play in the park alone or walk to and from school by themselves. There have been instances in the past where parents have faced legal trouble for letting their children have this independence.  The first thing I thought when reading about this policy is that it doesn’t address the bigger problem and could actually create new problems. 

Why?  For one, parents might use the protection of a free-range parenting law as justification for neglecting their children.  And two, a free-range parenting law could discourage good Samaritans from calling the police when it may be necessary.  In a world where we encourage “See something, say something,” the interpretation of this new law could give people a reason to ignore child abuse.  While the law stipulates that reports of “children wandering alone” will still be investigated, there will be more protection in favor of the parents and this could make the work of Child Protective Services even more difficult.  

[For more on this story by George Siegal go to: http://movetheworldfilms.org/b...rent-law-a-good-idea]

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Yes, George, there is always a potential for laws to be abused or misinterpreted.

I think as a society we need to trust our instincts and ask questions if we see a child alone or just loitering around. We need to risk causing offense.

I grew up in a village, and as kids, we would be roaming around and exploring. Usually, someone who knew us and our parents would stop to talk to us, questioning us where we were off to and where our parents were. Just general questions. As kids we would hate it and try to avoid the adults, thinking them to be 'busybodies'. But now I realize that they were just looking out for us.  

 

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