Studies are proving that children born in recent years have less independence than children who were born in the '70s, '80s or '90s, and that the lack of independence is having adverse affects on their mental health.
University of Auckland associate professor Annette Henderson said that there is an "interesting" link between children's independence decreasing and mental health concerns increasing.
While the study did not directly measure the difference, the trend of independence falling and mental health concerns rising "raises some really important questions," Henderson said.
"The researchers and the paper were talking about when you give children the space to roam, little bit of freedom to choose their own adventure, it increases their sense of autonomy- that's how comfortable they are, making their own decisions, and [increases] their trust in their own skills."
One example in a similar study pointed out that in the UK in 1971, 86% of kids would walk home from school by themselves, in 2010, that number dropped to 25%.
Henderson said while there are safety concerns with letting a child be independent, but some children may be ready before parents think they are.
"You're so worried about your child being run over by a car, because you can't trust other drivers... while also not understanding how well children are developing and how much independence they can actually have, much earlier than we think."
Henderson said she isn't advocating for children to roam the streets without rule or reason, but suggests taking small steps to help promote independence.
"Giving your child the space to be able to trust themselves in a risky environment, but a safe risky environment," she said, is key to ensuring children learn how to navigate the world around them independently.
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