While taking my kids to daycare this morning, I hear on the radio a discussion about GPS in dogs, which switches (of course) to putting GPS chips in children. The radio personalities were specific in saying that they didn't want government ordered GPS, but they tacitly approved of parents putting GPS chips in their own children for ease of finding them if they're kidnapped.
I will say that I don't like this idea. The benefit of being able to find a kidnapped child is rather beneficial, yes, but I think that something like that could lessen parental accountability for the whereabouts of their child. It also would (I think) end up with the result of parents using the chips to keep tabs on their children when those children become teenagers. There are several ways to check on where your children are; you don't need to show them you distrust their judgment so much you need to tie an electronic tether to them. How can you teach trust to children if you don't show them trust to begin with?
4 comments:
When my children were young, I kept them close. Now, as they're older, and more trustworthy, they're allowed to wander a little bit further (we're talking feet, not miles). But they have to keep earning that trust -- they have to check in, they have to return when told to do so, and they've have to demonstrate trustworthiness in other areas of their lives. It works, and it makes them feel good about themselves.
i totally agree with you there, steve, but remember - you've broadcast this to the world & one day, your daughter may even read it, so don't forget it 10-13 years in the future!
I'm covered there, as well. I have no qualms about using a tether, just a GPS.
Oh i can just hear all the civil libertarians now!
I think that's going way too far. Adults need to start taking responsibility for their kids. Kidnapping figures are not that huge to warrant such an invasion.
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