WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1999

Laws lessen parental responsibility

Today, more parents are backing laws that involve the discipline of children.

As more parents try to become a friend to their child, they are neglecting their responsibilities as parents.

A regular talk show did a segment that mentioned the dangers of riding a bicycle without a helmet.

Concerned parents backed a proposition that became a law, which required the use of a helmet when bicycling, instead of regulating their own child's behavior.

Parents are relying too heavily on legislation.

The use of laws to regulate a child's behavior is nothing but lazy parenting.

Parents need to spend more time with their children. Studies show most parents spend about four hours a week with their child.

This compared to the seven hours of television children watch a week is a dismal ratio.

I understand certain laws are made with good intentions, which address issues of concern. However, parents should explain the use of helmets to their child with consequences if this rule is broken.

These laws are setting a worrisome precedent.

They are paving the way for governmental control of the family and other issues involving personal liberties, alleviating parental responsibility.

Maggie Ballard is a public relations journalism major.