All sources have been given pseudonyms to maintain anonymity.
Modern advances in surveillance technology aren’t just for Big Brother anymore — they’re for parents, too. What began as involved parenting and well-intentioned safety measures has shifted to something much more intense — the advent of the helicopter parent. This term refers to any overly concerned parent who unnecessarily interferes in their child’s life. Symptoms for University parents often include moderate-to-severe location monitoring, chronic presence in Charlottesville and excessive checking of SIS. Now, after years of this behavior’s effect on students, the University is attempting to curb it through a new program called Helicopter Parents Anonymous, or HPA.
“HPA is an opportunity for parents of University students to connect with each other,” Program Director Noah Moore-Trakking said. “It’s a system of mutual support for parents looking to take a step back from their children’s lives while, of course, getting to talk about their child for hours at a time.”…