Experts are urging parents to let their kids take risks – even if it’s in a controlled environment – in a bid to empower them.

It follows new data from Deakin University revealing 78 percent limit their children from participating in risky activities.

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Professor Lisa Barnett told Millsy and Karl on 6PR Breakfast you can’t wrap your kids in cotton wool.

“Of course nobody wants their kids to get hurt, but what we know is that if we can let kids take risks that are appropriate to their own abilities, then they really start to understand what they’re capable of,” Professor Barnett said.