Children's Rights
Should We Take More Kids From Their Homes or Fewer?
When children are abused, we want government to step in. But Child Protective Services sometimes goes too far.
Child Protective Services Investigated Her 4 Times Because She Let Her Kids Play Outside
A mom who trusted her kids to play outside ended up under repeated investigation.
Kids Don't Want Screens—They Want Freedom
A new poll finds that children crave real-world play with friends, not more screen time. But we’ve made that nearly impossible.
Georgia Couple Whose Daughters Were Taken After False Child Abuse Claims File Lawsuit
Matt and Tuckey Hernandez lost their daughters for two years after their infant's medical issues were misidentified as abuse.
Aspen Police Department Warns Kids Having Fun Is a Crime
“You could end up with a ticket or a trip to the emergency room.”
Mom Arrested, Facing 5 Years in Prison for Leaving 8- and 10-Year-Old Boys at Home
A new Georgia law could protect Alexandra Woodward's parental decision—but it doesn't go into effect until July.
Texas Closed Its Investigation Against These Parents. Why Are Their Names on a Child Abuse Registry?
A medical dispute over jaundice treatment prompted the state to take custody of Rodney and Temecia Jackson’s daughter for more than three weeks.
Will Florida Teens With Sexually Transmitted Diseases Have To Tell Their Parents Before They Can Get Treatment?
These bills would require exactly that—and a lot more.
Missouri 13-Year-Old Suspended for Making a Rifle Out of Dr. Pepper Cans
The boy and his mother are now suing the school district and its officials to protect students' right to free expression.
Can a Pop Song Violate Children's Rights?
In Colombia, a court claims the answer is yes. Could that happen here?
Cops Called on Dad for Playing Catch with 14-Year-Old Son at Park
"What is the end game here? Can you write a citation? Can you take me to jail?"
Georgia Backs Bill To Reaffirm Independent Kids, Protect Free-Range Parents
"Some people think that this is not one of those things that's super important—until you're affected by it," says David DeLugas.
Why Do I Keep Finding Padlocked Playgrounds in New York City?
We're hemorrhaging our child population for a reason.
The Government Named This Baby 'Unakite Thirteen Hotel.' Years Later, Her Father Still Can't Change It.
He also can't get a birth certificate or Social Security number for his daughter.
New Hampshire's Bad Parenting Bill Is a Nightmare
"I happen to be a tax-and-spend liberal," says Richard Wexler, "but this bill provides not one iota of additional help."
Utah Resolution Would Encourage More Free-Range Parenting
"Make childhood great again," says state Sen. Lincoln Fillmore.
Challenge to California Policy Limiting Teachers' Disclosure to Parents of Student's Changed Gender Identity …
can proceed (under the First Amendment and under parental constitutional rights law), the court says, though there's no actual decision on whether the plaintiffs (parents and teachers) will prevail.
The 10 Most Infuriating Challenges to Free-Range Parenting in 2024
Here's hoping for a free-range 2025!
Bringing Shame on the Family Name
"The articles, from the York Daily Record and FOX43 websites, detailed an incident in which Father was 'found sleeping half-naked in his car at a Rutter's store' and offered an investigating officer $50 instead of his license. The articles indicate that Father was charged with DUI, indecent exposure, open lewdness, and other related charges."
The IRS Is Required To Protect Kids From Identity Theft. They're Not Complying.
One in four kids will be the victim of identity theft or fraud. Here's how the government is making it worse.
Celebrate Thanksgiving by Letting Your Kids Play Outside
"Take a moment to appreciate all that they can learn from trying to complete the task on their own," says Yale University's Julia Leonard.
After Wrongful Diagnosis, Texas CPS Took This Baby Away
Thankfully, a judge reunited the Boatright family last week.
Mom Jailed for Letting 10-Year-Old Walk Alone to Town
"I was not panicking as I know the roads and know he is mature enough to walk there without incident," says Brittany Patterson.
The Government Is Taking Babies Away Because Their Moms Ate Poppy Seeds
Unreliable drug tests are sparking unnecessary child welfare investigations.
British TV Star in Trouble With Child Services After Letting a 15-Year-Old Take a Trip
Kirstie Allsopp posted online about her teen son's trip around Europe. Then someone reported her to the government.
Illinois Falsely Accused These Parents of Abusing Their Baby—and Now Won't Tell Them Who Actually Did It
"I never thought that this was even humanly possible," says Sabra Brucker.
Cops Threaten To Take Kids From Family Terrorized by Anti-Christian Reddit Group
Online trolls weaponized child protective services against J.D. and Britney Lott and their eight children.
Cops Called on 8-Year-Old Child for Being Outside
"Can a child not ride her bike on the street in this neighborhood anymore?"
The Best of Reason: Child Welfare Systems Are Trapping Innocent Families
Georgia parents were accused of child abuse after they took their daughter to the doctor. Does the state's story add up?
Child Welfare Systems Are Trapping Innocent Families
Georgia parents were accused of child abuse after they took their daughter to the doctor. Does the state's story add up?
'Independence Therapy' Could Revolutionize Treatment for Child Anxiety
A pilot study encouraged parents to let their kids go free-range.
Government Warns That Playground Equipment Gets Hot
Thanks for the heads up, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Maryland Elementary School Tries To Force Students To Say The Pledge
Students have a constitutional right to refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance, no matter what school officials think.
Elementary Schools Ban Tag, Football, and Fun During Recess
"It really feels as though maybe we've lost touch with what's developmentally appropriate," says one Montgomery County mom.
How Free-Range Kids Became an Answer on Jeopardy!
It took a lot of work to clear this quiz show milestone.
Coddled Kids Become Depressed, Anti-Social College Students
Young people need independent play in order to become capable adults.
Florida Appellate Court Disqualifies Judge in Gender-Transition Child Removal Case
Did the judge's remarks "suggest[] she had predetermined that the father had no right to oppose gender transition or otherwise direct the child's upbringing based upon his moral and religious beliefs"?
Parents Investigated for Letting 7-Year-Old Get a Cookie From the Store
"You just can't raise kids like that anymore—it isn't safe," the cops told the Widner family.
DeSantis Vetoed a Social Media Age-Verification Law, but That Doesn't Mean He Won't Sign a New One
A law forcing kids off social media sites is still likely coming to Florida.
