Crisis of Child Mental Health Traced to Lack of Autonomy

Scholar traces decline in children’s free time and free play since the 1970s.

Children at a playground. — Children at a playground. Cottonbro studios via Pexels.com

LENORE SKENAZY

May 3, 2026, 04:00 AM ET

Facebook X (Twitter)Email WhatsApp

Sections

National
Foreign
Politics
Arts+
Economy
Education
Justice
Opinion
Podcasts
Games

More

Membership
Become a Founder
Advertise
Events
Shop
Submissions
Contact
Legal
About
Subscribe

Follow Us On:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
Flipboard
RSS

© 2026 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

Sign in Join Today

Already have a subscription? Sign in to continue reading

or

Limited Access

Unlock 1 Free Article by Creating Your Free Account

Get 1 FREE article
Access to our Morning and Evening Sun newsletters

Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience
Unlimited article and commenting access

Start Your Trial

View All Membership Options

By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

More from the New York Sun

A May Day rally at New York City's Foley Square, May 1, 2024. — Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Collectivists Turn May Day Into a High Holiday

By DEAN KARAYANIS

Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun reviews the honor guard upon his arrival at the Lebanese parliament, at Beirut, January 9, 2025. — AP/Hussein Malla

U.S. Floats Netanyahu–Aoun Meeting as Path to IDF Exit From Lebanon

By JOTAM CONFINO

Louisiana's governor, Jeff Landry. — Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP

Louisiana Lawmakers Advance Bill Protecting College Faculty Members’ Ability To Engage in the ‘Rigorous Exchange of Ideas’

By BRADLEY CORTRIGHT

Accused would-be assassin Cole Tomas Allen, left, inside his hotel room on April 25, 2026 at Washington. — Department of Justice via AP

Assassination Attempt Exposes Danger of Liberal Bias — and Outright Trump-Hatred — at America’s Universities

By LAURENCE ELDER

A 'marriage gap' is emerging as a driver of inequality. — Lilen Diaz via Pexels.com

The Marriage Gap Is the Biggest Cause of Inequality in America, but Gets the Least Attention

By VERONIQUE de RUGY

Kentucky Derby favorite Renegade trains during morning workouts at Churchill Downs at Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. — Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Kentucky Derby Arrives With History, Heartbreak, and Change in the Air

By GEORGE WILLIS

Former actress Jessica Mann appears in Manhattan criminal court to testify against former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein at the re-trial of his rape case on April 30, 2026 in New York City. — Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Actress Takes a Beating From Harvey Weinstein’s Lawyers Over Secret ‘Love Note’: It’s Latest Example of Why This Rape Case Is So Hard To Prove

By MARIE POHL

'Infected for Science' by Sydney Halpern. — Graphic Mundi

A Tale of Moral Courage in World War II, Chronicled Through Cartoons

By CARL ROLLYSON