By: LISA LESNICK
 
(GAINESVILLE, Ga) To a child, the “two-in-one safety harness” is just another toy. To a parent it’s another way to constrain their child, but is it really necessary?
 
The “two-in-one safety harness” backpack is attractive to children and looks just like a stuffed animal. The harness is used to keep children from running away and getting lost in public areas. They are especially effective when parents become concentrated on shopping and other things. 
 
Some parents see no difference between strapping their child into a monkey backpack and strapping their child in a stroller, except with the backpack they get to walk around.
 
But many times bystanders see a parent abusing this control over their child. “I was at the mall one day and I saw a child with one of those backpacks being dragged across the floor. I was shocked at the parent’s behavior,” said senior Tori Furtrell.
 
There are laws protecting these children in extreme cases. Last year a Georgia mother was caught dragging her son across a Verizon store floor. She was arrested and charged with first degree cruelty to a child, punishable by up to 20 years behind bars.
 
Overall, the harnesses appear to be a safe way to control one’s child, but it is up to concerned bystanders to report any type of visible abuse from the harnesses.