Creativity

• Experts often highlight social media and harsh economic times as key reasons why young people are getting unhappier.
• Younger generations have less freedom and independence than previous generations did.
• The lack of childhood freedom isn’t just a result of parental control.

Emotional, social and cognitive effects

• Psychologist Jean Piaget emphasised the importance of exploration and experimentation in cognitive development in the 1950s.
• By restricting children’s freedom to explore and take age-appropriate risks, we deprive them of opportunities for intellectual curiosity and innovation.
• The decline in independence can have implications for social and emotional development.
• Research highlights the importance of peer interactions in shaping social competence and emotional intelligence.
• By orchestrating play dates and entertainment, parents may therefore inadvertently limit their children’s ability to navigate social dynamics.

Age-appropriate freedom

• Evidence supports the idea that freedom and independence is crucial for the happiness and wellbeing of young people.
• A five-year-old, for example, can be allowed and encouraged to butter their own toast, make their bed, or play on their own in the garden.
• A 10-year-old, meanwhile, should be able to walk to and from school on their own, be responsible for their homework and keep their space tidy.

Fiorentina Sterkaj does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.