Virginia Makes It Legal for Kids to Play Outside

Children in Virginia can now play outside without their parents getting investigated for neglect. Imagine that!

Governor Glenn Youngkin signed what is colloquially called the “Reasonable Childhood Independence” bill — and was formerly known as the Free-Range Parenting bill. It passed both houses unanimously.

The bill narrows the state’s neglect laws, which had been so vague and broad that parents were getting investigated simply for letting their kids walk or play outside. Now the new law states clearly that “neglect” is when you put a child in serious and obvious danger — not simply anytime you take your eyes off them, or anytime a disapproving neighbor or official can dream up a far-fetched peril.

This is great news for everyone, but especially people like Elsa Hackel, 12. She testified to the legislature about the time she was walking home from the bus stop in Falls Church, Virginia, at age 9. Four police officers showed up at her door, she said, “before I could get my coat off! They said they got a call about a kid alone in the cold seen going into this house.”

Elsa was terrified her parents would be taken away. “Since then,” she said, “I haven’t wanted to go outside very often.” Her mother, naval architect Evelyn Hackel, testified, “I never imagined there would be more police involved for that, than for when my neighbor was assaulted by a fugitive.”

Anna Fields from rural Pearisburg, Virginia, testified, too. She’s 9. About a year ago, she said, “My brother, sister, and I were all playing outside and a neighbor said we weren’t safe because we didn’t have any grown-ups around.”

Would you call that a war on moms, kids, fun, freedom — or all of the above? Let’s just say that forcing parents to supervise their kids when their kids are capable, trustworthy and enjoying some independence to boot is not “child protection.” It was bullying by bureaucrat.

“This is a family rights and human rights issue whose time has come,” said Diane Redleaf, a longtime child and family advocate and Let Grow’s legal consultant. “We need to stop believing that whenever parents allow their children out of their sight, they are endangering them.” Amen, and a salute to Virginia!

https://intellectualtakeout.org/2023/03/virginia-legal-kids-play-outside

[TBC: While this is good news, as parents we also recognize our responsibility to impart wisdom to our children. Proverbs:4:7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
See All... (addressing the teachings of a father to his son) tells us, “ I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.”

Further, children are force-fed LBGT/transgender poison in their schools while being arrested for enjoying the freedom from such sexual perversion and bullying!]