The Dark Consequences of Excessive Parental Involvement: A Warning from Expert Jonathan Haidt
Published on 4.16.25
The rise of helicopter parenting has sparked debate among experts regarding its impact on a child's mental health and independence. Jonathan Haidt, a prominent expert in the field, warns that excessive parental involvement can be detrimental to a child's emotional well-being.
This concern is reflected in real-life tragedies, such as cases where children have been driven to violent acts or taken their own lives after being exposed to traumatic situations online. A recent study found that helicopter parents who share intimate details about their daily lives with friends and family on social media may be inadvertently creating an environment where their children feel suffocated by excessive attention.
This can have long-term effects on a child's mental health, including anxiety and depression. The delicate balance between protection and over-involvement is a pressing concern for many parents, who are increasingly using social media to monitor their children's activities.