Ten years ago a controversial new response to bad behaviour by teenagers was started in the US and the idea has spread to this country. When children become anti-social, through addictions or crime, parents are encouraged to let go and leave their offspring to take responsibility for their own actions. This may involve throwing a child out of the family home or having no further contact at all. Does being cruel to be kind work? Does it force children to assess what has happened? Can such harsh treatment really lead to rehabilitation?
Joanna Kaye has been talking to parents who have tried it.
Presented by John Humphrys. Producer Nicola Moody Editor Anne Tyerman