The explanations I have seen of tamper-resistant receptacles imply that they would not resist the entry of a small screwdriver into only one side of the receptacle. They are supposed to work by providing voltage only when something is inserted into both the hot and neutral sides of the receptacle, something a child is unlikely to accomplish.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tamper-Resistant Electrical Receptacles

I just replaced a 1950s-era tamper-resistant receptacle.

It wasn't tamper-resistant when it was installed.

The caked-on rust and dirt made it very resistant to my attempts to tamper with it.

I ended up uninstalling it with a hammer.

"They are supposed to work by providing voltage only when something is inserted into both the hot and neutral sides of the receptacle,"

This is completely wrong. The voltage is always there. Here is the text right from the link your provided:

"These receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings, or slots, of the receptacles. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and the shutters then open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact to create an electrical circuit. Because both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters do not open when a child attempts to insert an object into only one contact opening, and there is no contact with electricity."

I used a single screwdriver. and nothing else. the receptacle was energized.

Tamper RESISTANT, not tamper(or idiot) proof.

because i could get a small screwdriver in it, without inserting anything into the other slot, i render them pointless. If i can get a screwdriver into an energized receptacle, so can a child. in my kitchen, i have one where the shutter doesnt shut, either.

It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are too ingenious.

i got the single screwdriver into the receptacle in about 15 seconds. a child could easily do that.
This just goes to show that a child did do it---
Correct smithy?

Yes. so they are useless.

But they cost more. Government really helps make housing more affordable.

Government really helps make housing more affordable.

Blame NFPA, not the feds.

The NEC becomes law only when adopted by a legal jurisdiction. The NFPA is not such a jurisdiction.

True, local lawmakers adopt the NEC, but my point is that the requirement was dreamed up the the NFPA board, not by our legislators (or yours in your jurisdiction).

I'll just stick to my Hubbell 20A Industrial Grade.