A generation under constant monitoring
A survey on American families conducted in the summer of 2025 highlights a surprising generational delay.
While 79 % of adults say they have carried out regularly and unattended when they were children, only 30 % of young people today say they benefit from the same freedom.
In addition, 55 % of the children interviewed say itThey would like to have more time without the supervision of the parentsA sign that this lack of autonomy is felt as a true frustration.
Children under digital control
The cell phone occupies a central place in this new relationship with freedom. Nine out of ten children have or use a smartphone from college.
For parents, it is a reassuring tool: they can follow, identify and contact their child at any time. But the 2025 survey shows that 65 % of children perceive this follow as a “digital leash”.
They appreciate to stay in touch with their loved ones, but the regret that this permanent control prevents them from testing their limits.
Overloading works
The results of the Harris survey also underline the impact of extra -curricular activities.
Where past generations had whole afternoons Invent games or explore their neighborhoodToday’s children continue sport, music, languages or tutoring. According to the survey, 62 % of parents say so Their children “do not have time to play freely out” Because of their agenda. However, the free game, without objective set by an adult, remains essential for development.
Science that warns the consequences
These results find an echo in a study published in 2023 in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Researchers show that the less children have freedom, the more anxiety and stress increase. The study also shows that those who have Regular autonomous game opportunities Develop better social skills and greater confidence in oneself.
On the contrary, children, every planned and controlled activity, have more difficulty managing the unexpected.
Rucuna the balance between vigilance and autonomy
How to restore the air to children without giving up security? Specialists advise to go there in the phases. For the youngest, it can pass through Short trips alone – Get the bread in the oven, for example – or game time unattended in a well -known space.
As they grow, it is about entrusting them with responsibility adapted to their age, such as the management of a small budget or the organization of a trip with friends.
The role of communities and schools
The question does not only concern families.
The researchers insist The importance of a social environment that promotes trust : safe districts with adequate public spaces, schools that appreciate exits and learning through experience, a community that leave a place for free game.
Where these conditions are satisfied, children benefit from greater autonomy and parents are more likely to loosen their vigilance.
An educational emergency
If the current trend continues, subsequent generations could grow highly reduced autonomy, dependent on digital tools to manage their freedom and less prepared to face the unexpected.
However, as researchers remind you, giving freedom to children is not abandoning them: it is to offer them the opportunity to become adults capable, confident and responsible.
Listen to the Aperitif Daronnes, the Madmoizelle show that wants to drop the taboos around parenting.
Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
