I'm amused by those that posted who said they had walked to the shops as children but that these days, there's no way they'd let their children do the same.

The incidence of child abductions and other crimes etc etc hasn't increased much (and in some places has decreased). The only difference is that we now have a well oiled media machine and that crimes against children are now publicised much more by the media. So it's in our face much more and thus seems more prevalent.

It's no more unsafe now for children to walk the streets than it was when we were young. I think our attitudes are just different and people are more likely to wrap their kids in cotton wool (probably like I will!!).

And I agree with others, it also depends on where you live. I live in suburbia, and don't think I'll have a problem with my daughter riding her bike around the neighbourhood at 9. All the other kids do around here.

Just my two cents worth! O

Margot