A commenter, Scott, left a link in a previous post to this image.
It shows a map of an area in the UK. The overlays are four generations of a family and where they were allowed to roam freely at age eight. In 1919, the great grandfather was allowed to walk 6 miles away from home to go fishing, for example. My mother and step father talk all the time about how they walked all over the place as children. At eight years old, none of my children is allowed to go much beyond our own yard without supervision.
I also think back to my own childhood. I was allowed to ride my bike to a local beach and park and hang out there alone. When I was 13 I spent my summers at that beach alone. Packing a lunch, bringing my beach blanket, and riding my bike there. I can not even imagine allowing my 13 year old that level of freedom, especially in the days before cellphones.
But it still makes you wonder if the world has become more dangerous, or if it is just our perception that has changed.
This is so interesting to me…my husband and I were having this discussion yesterday. Our 5 year old is only allowed to play in the back yard unsupervised, but some of the parents on our street allow their 5 year olds to ride bikes (in the street) without supervision! I would rather be safe…
Comment by Christie — April 20, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
I think it actually IS more dangerous (all society in moral decline starting with the lack of manners and ending in full-blown heinous criminals everywhere, lots more – and faster- traffic than there used to be, blah blah blah) . . but don’t ask me to prove it.
Comment by Brigitte — April 21, 2008 @ 6:50 am