Free-Range Kids

John Stossel | 11.13.2024 12:00 PM

I often report on fake "crises" pushed by media.

Here's one that may be real:

Kids are anxious.

In my new video, Lenore Skenazy, founder of the nonprofit Let Grow, says it's because today's parents rarely allow their kids to experience the joys of independence.

Skenazy once let her 9-year-old ride the New York City subway on his own. For that, the media labeled her "America's worst mom." Law and Order, the TV show, produced an episode where the child riding alone is kidnapped and murdered.

But in real life, what Skenazy allowed isn't so risky. Her son told me, "I know how to get around." Nothing bad happened to him, and he gained the confidence that comes with taking care of yourself.

Skenazy argues that not letting kids take care of themselves makes kids insecure. Anxiety and........

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