Oddly Appropriate Intrusive Action, Australia...

First, the news story:

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23196087-911,00.html

Parents who children are on the path as sociopaths in Australia are soon to find themselves with a bit more free time to take care of the problem. For their children's multiple indiscretions, they will be required to sign parenting agreements to spend more face-to-face time with their kids, send them to treatment programs and attend parenting classes. Failure to comply could result in TV's and stereos being taken away.

So, at first, I wanted to cry outrage that the government would step in and take such drastic steps. Then, the more I thought about it, the more I applaud these actions. Parents who refuse to take the steps necessary to reign in their unruly children are being held accountable, thus effectively putting an end to that parenting cry "I just can't do anything with that kid."

No longer will parents be allowed to sit and watch Dr. Phil takes care of other people's problems for them, while they ignore the problems at home.

Television is interesting. It shows the drama of other people, thus allowing the viewer to lose themselves in these worlds, at the expense of losing touch with their own world. Some might argue that television created this problem in the first place, broadcasting violent images, or distracting parents that should be paying attention to their own kids. But, I do know that this big of a punishment will probably spur a lot more parents into action.

But to avoid this in the first place, limit TV time to begin with. Sure, a few shows a day won't hurt a kid. I watched plenty of television as a child, as still harbored a love for reading and being outside. But, families who come home from school and work, plop down in front of the tube and keep it on until bedtime will never fully realize the problems they are creating in their own homes.

So, let me know what you think of this new Australian law. I'm interested to hear what others have to say about it.