Jonathan Healy Criticizes Families for Entitled Attitudes When Driving Kids to School
Jonathan Healy has raised concerns about what he describes as a “tremendous sense of entitlement” among parents who drive their children short distances to school. His comments were made during a segment on Newstalk Breakfast, where he addressed the ongoing trend of parents prioritizing convenience over active transportation for their kids.
Clean Air Week Initiatives
His remarks come during Clean Air Week, which runs from November 17th to 21st. Organized by An Taisce’s Green-Schools Ireland, this year’s campaign centers around the theme of “No Idling.” The initiative encourages parents to turn off their engines while waiting outside schools to reduce air pollution.
Concerns Over Driving Habits
- Healy emphasized that children are increasingly being driven directly to school, rather than being allowed to walk or cycle.
- He questioned the reasoning behind this behavior, noting, “What do they think will happen if kids walk?”
- Healy warned that this pattern fosters a generation of young people who do not utilize their physical capabilities.
Reflections on Childhood
Co-presenter Ciara Kelly shared her own experiences growing up in Wicklow. She noted the stark difference in transportation habits, recalling that it would have to rain heavily before children were driven to school.
- Kelly remarked, “We were fit; we didn’t have the same issues around obesity.”
- She noted that the reliance on walking and cycling built resilience among children.
Future Implications
The presenters both highlighted the potential negative consequences of current driving trends on children’s health and environmental conditions. They expressed concern about how these habits will shape future generations.
Healy concluded by emphasizing the importance of encouraging children to walk and cycle, promoting not only their physical health but also a better environment for everyone.
