Listening to the radio every morning on my way to work quite often terrifies me. The show I listen to regularly invites people to call in about various things and this week we listened (flabbergasted) as a woman openly admitted that she would like to microchip her children

Now, call me crazy, but in order to gain respect you must earn it. That is what I was always taught by my parents. How are teenagers supposed to respect their parents if they cannot respect their privacy or freedom? Basic human rights.

Under the age of 16 it’s true, you are a child and somewhat under the direction and supervision of your parents. While they are paying your bills they have a right to know what you’re spending their money on and have a rough idea of where you are/who you’re with, but that’s where parental control should end in my opinion.

At the age of 11 or 12 I was allowed to play outside with my friends until it was getting dark and time for my dinner. At the age of 14 I was allowed to go out with my friends in the evening until 9pm, when I had to be home. My parents knew who I was with, but that’s about it. I used to spend hours cycling around the neighbourhood, hanging out with friends, shopping and (oh my goodness) speaking to boys.

Having the freedom to do these things allowed me to develop into the confident, independent woman that I am today and my parents earned my eternal respect for never interfering unjustly in my life. As a result, I have never once set out to disobey them or their rules, because they weren’t too strict and didn’t make ridiculous demands on me.

Radio tagging your children? Madam, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Megan Wynes