Survey results show many 8-to-12-year-olds experience heavy supervision and limited independence. Large shares of children have never used sharp knives, walked or biked without an adult, talked alone with neighbors, built outdoor structures, or done paid work. Most children express a desire for more in-person, adult-free outdoor play and wish for more time playing with friends outside of school. Research links lack of childhood independence to increased mental health and long-term issues, and other studies indicate parents often overestimate the independence they grant their children.
Over one in four kids isn't allowed to play alone, even in their own front yard. 71% of kids have never used a sharp knife. 45% of kids have never walked alone down the aisle of a store when their parent was in a different aisle. 56% of kids have never talked to a neighbor while alone. 62% have never walked or biked anywhere without an adult. 63% have never built a structure, like a fort or tree house, outside their home.
There's been extensive research showing that kids need to be taught independence, and a lack of independence in kids has been linked to increased mental health issues and other long-term issues. At the same time, another study found that parents think they give their kids more independence than they actually do. On the other hand, letting your kids learn to be on their own - and even take part in risky situations like using a sharp knife -
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