Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Model Answer – Band 9
Parents naturally want the best for their children, and it is therefore understandable that many of them try to regulate how their children spend their free time. While some people argue that parents should have strict control over these activities, others believe that children should be given the freedom to make their own choices. In my opinion, parents should provide guidance and set reasonable boundaries, but children should gradually be given more independence as they grow older.
On the one hand, parental control can be beneficial because children do not always have the maturity to recognise what is good or harmful for them. If young people are left completely free to choose their leisure activities, they may spend excessive amounts of time playing video games, browsing social media or watching entertainment programmes. Consequently, their physical health, academic performance and social development could be affected. Moreover, parents are generally more experienced and can introduce children to constructive activities, such as reading, playing sports, learning music or participating in community work. By setting sensible limits, children can be protected from potentially harmful influences while still being encouraged to develop useful habits.
On the other hand, excessive parental control can prevent children from becoming independent individuals. Childhood is not simply a period during which rules have to be followed; it is also a time when young people need to discover their interests, make decisions and learn from their mistakes. For example, a teenager who is allowed to choose between playing football, learning photography or joining a debating club may gradually discover his or her strengths and preferences. If every decision is made by parents, children may become overly dependent on others and may struggle to make responsible choices later in life. Furthermore, having some control over their leisure time can give children a sense of responsibility and confidence.
I believe that a balanced approach is the most appropriate. The degree of parental control should depend on the child’s age, maturity and circumstances. Younger children naturally require closer supervision because they are more vulnerable and have limited judgment. Teenagers, however, should be allowed greater freedom, provided that clear boundaries have been established. Parents can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different activities rather than simply imposing their preferences. In this way, children can learn how to make sensible decisions while knowing that guidance is available when they need it.
In conclusion, although parental control can protect children and encourage healthy habits, excessive restrictions may hinder their independence and personal development. I strongly believe that parents should act as guides rather than controllers, gradually transferring responsibility to their children as they become more mature. This approach is likely to produce young people who are not only well-protected but also confident, responsible and capable of making their own decisions.
🔑 Band 9 Vocabulary & Useful Expressions
- regulate how children spend their free time → control/manage leisure activities
- strict control → very strong supervision
- reasonable boundaries → sensible limits
- constructive activities → activities that produce positive development
- harmful influences → negative factors affecting behaviour
- excessive parental control → too much control by parents
- become independent individuals → develop the ability to act independently
- sense of responsibility → awareness of one’s duties and choices
- balanced approach → neither extreme; a middle-ground solution
- degree of parental control → amount of supervision
- impose their preferences → force children to follow what parents want
- transfer responsibility → gradually give responsibility to someone else
⭐ Strong Band 9 line:
“Parents should act as guides rather than controllers, gradually transferring responsibility to their children as they become more mature.”
