I did not mention it in the essay, but I want to draw readers' attention to another book (originally an article in the Atlantic) related to this subject. The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff.
I read the original article, but I have not yet read the book (I plan to rectify that). I have also watched or read or heard Lukianoff and Haidt elaborate on its themes elsewhere, so I understand their basic arguments. Both are thoughtful center-left/liberal intellectuals (lest anyone complain that I cited a conservative senator).
What is your thought on sharing location via phone or smart device with parents? Does that qualify in the overprotection category? Does it depend on age of the kids whether or not tracking is justified?
That seems fine. I mean if a parent literally tracked their kid vis GPS 24/7 that would be one thing.
But otherwise it seems like a useful way for parents and kids to check in on each other. Jonathan Haidt talked about giving his 9 year old a phone that could basically only call home and the police (and maybe they could know where she was). Then they’d send her out to the store (in downtown NYC). And if she got lost she could call home and they’d direct her back.
I realize that some readers will not particularly like this essay. We will have some more fun, lighthearted posts and holiday-themed stories coming soon.
I did not mention it in the essay, but I want to draw readers' attention to another book (originally an article in the Atlantic) related to this subject. The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff.
https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation/dp/0735224897
I read the original article, but I have not yet read the book (I plan to rectify that). I have also watched or read or heard Lukianoff and Haidt elaborate on its themes elsewhere, so I understand their basic arguments. Both are thoughtful center-left/liberal intellectuals (lest anyone complain that I cited a conservative senator).
What is your thought on sharing location via phone or smart device with parents? Does that qualify in the overprotection category? Does it depend on age of the kids whether or not tracking is justified?
That seems fine. I mean if a parent literally tracked their kid vis GPS 24/7 that would be one thing.
But otherwise it seems like a useful way for parents and kids to check in on each other. Jonathan Haidt talked about giving his 9 year old a phone that could basically only call home and the police (and maybe they could know where she was). Then they’d send her out to the store (in downtown NYC). And if she got lost she could call home and they’d direct her back.
“As with most forms of technology, it depends on how it’s being used and what the context is.”
I realize that some readers will not particularly like this essay. We will have some more fun, lighthearted posts and holiday-themed stories coming soon.