"Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge."

Includes bibliographical references.

The good, the bad, and the history: a balance-sheet of modern childhood -- A childish panic about the next generation -- Cocooning children -- Childhood in historical perspective -- Freedom and child development -- Growing up: why risk-taking is good for kids -- Play: what is it good for? -- The bullying bandwagon -- Virtual lives? Media, brands and the myspace generation -- Taking real responsibility: the role of adult society -- Let parents be parents: the myth of infant determinism -- Let teachers be teachers: not social workers and "happiness counsellors" -- Let strangers be friends: how the "stranger danger" panic is creating a hostile adult world -- Conclusion -- Bibliography.