University of Michigan Survey Shows US Parents Overprotect Teens on Vacation

A June 2025 survey conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and the Hospital for Children C.S. Mott gathered responses from 1,047 U.S. parents of adolescents aged 13‑18. Less than half said they would feel comfortable leaving their teen alone in a hotel room while the family ate breakfast, only 31% would allow a walk to a nearby café, and just 21% would permit a visit to a museum or amusement park without supervision. The study highlights a strong tendency among American parents to limit teenage independence during family vacations, driven by concerns over accidents, strangers, and imprudent decisions.

Researchers link these parental attitudes to adolescent brain development, noting that during puberty the brain becomes especially responsive to new social stimuli. A Stanford study cited in the report found that from age 13 onward, unfamiliar voices trigger greater activity in reward‑related brain regions than a mother's voice, underscoring teenagers' growing focus on peer interactions outside the home.