My poll of over 1500 folks — albeit on Twitter — discovered something heartening:
The majority of both those born BEFORE and AFTER 1982 say they were allowed outside on their own by age 7.
BUT, the percent of kids given freedom by age 7 is sinking. And I didn’t specifically ask anyone born after 1992, or 2002 to answer, and I wonder what the response would be.
Heck — I think I’ll go ask on Twitter now!
Meantime — check out my analysis of these before/after 1982 results over at Let Grow by clicking here. One thing is sure: Some districts are really crimping kids’ independence with laws requiring constant adult supervision till age 9…even in a kid’s OWN YARD!
Wow, that Virginia ordinance is nuts. Parents should think carefully about where they live before they have children, and if they have a choice, make sure they live where the State can’t dictate where the child can play alone or when and if they can walk to school.
I was biking to school at age 6. The school I went to before that was too far away to walk or bike, and I don’t think I would have been ready for that anyway.
I remember my best friend coming over when we were five and our exploring the woods behind my house together.
I was allowed outside when I was 2, with my sister who was 6!! My Sister would cook for us, help us when we were hurt n watched me n my brother went swimming at the lake..
I walked to and from school at 7 I was babysitting at 9 …I had to spend time alone at age 7 because my mother had to work due to a divorce.