In arguments about the propriety of one activity or another, you'll often see one side saying it should be banned because of all the dangers, while another side argues it should be allowed and even encouraged because of all the benefits. But the world is far more complicated than that. It deserves a more nuanced argument. Most things aren't all good or all bad, but a combination of both. And for that reason, they should be allowed, so that everyone may weigh the risks and rewards themselves.
For example, there is evidence that screen time within the last 90 minutes before bedtime can disrupt natural sleep cycles. However, there is also evidence that video games increase executive function and decrease anxiety. Wouldn't it then make sense to let each person decide which means more to them and whether to limit their screen time or not?
Or take the eating of meat. Animal protein increases your risk of cancer, especially processed meat. But a recent longitudinal study also found that people who eat meat along with lots of fruits and vegetables have better lifetime health outcomes than strict vegetarians, especially when it comes to mental health. Meat also improves heart health. Again, it's each person's health, so it's each person's decision which aspect of that health is more important to them.
We at Mountain Laurel see no reason why that same respect for autonomy shouldn't be extended to children, as well. It's their lives, after all, so it should be their choice when it comes to weighing activities with both risk and reward. From screen time to diet to exercise to their studies, let them decide.
Sean Vivier
MLSS Staff
For example, there is evidence that screen time within the last 90 minutes before bedtime can disrupt natural sleep cycles. However, there is also evidence that video games increase executive function and decrease anxiety. Wouldn't it then make sense to let each person decide which means more to them and whether to limit their screen time or not?
Or take the eating of meat. Animal protein increases your risk of cancer, especially processed meat. But a recent longitudinal study also found that people who eat meat along with lots of fruits and vegetables have better lifetime health outcomes than strict vegetarians, especially when it comes to mental health. Meat also improves heart health. Again, it's each person's health, so it's each person's decision which aspect of that health is more important to them.
We at Mountain Laurel see no reason why that same respect for autonomy shouldn't be extended to children, as well. It's their lives, after all, so it should be their choice when it comes to weighing activities with both risk and reward. From screen time to diet to exercise to their studies, let them decide.
Sean Vivier
MLSS Staff
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