Another 'at what age would you let your child': London and buses

[NotQuiteCockney]

DS1 takes a bus to school. No conductor, double-decker bus. It's a direct route, I don't even think he has to cross any streets! (But it is about a 45 minute ride.)

At what age would you let him do this on his own? (Given that he is large for his age, and sensible.) Would you do let him do it in the morning at a younger age than you'd let him do it in the afternoon? (on the principle that there are more kids around to hassle him or whatever in the afternoon?)

I know this is at least a few years off, he is 7 now! But I'm just wondering.

[BoffinMum]

My DD was 9 or 10 when she startling pootling about South London on public transport on her own a bit. Other more protective parents thought I was slightly bonkers, but there were 1 or 2 others around who did this sort of thing as well, and she really benefited from the independence.

[BoccaDellaVerita]

I would have said 10/11 (ie once at secondary school) but boffinmum has made me think that 9 might be do-able with the usual provisos: sensible child well-drilled in road and personal safety; strict instructions to sit downstairs (ideally next to a Pillar Of The Community); travelling with a friend etc.

[BoffinMum]

I think so much depends on the child and the route. If it's a routine one then that makes the decision a lot easier.

[BoccaDellaVerita]

Yes, I was thinking in terms of journeys to school more than trips to Camden Market!

[MaureenMLove]

I think I'd leave it until he's at secondary school too. There's no need to start worrying about it now though. Somehow, responsibility and you not worring, just evolves! He'll be fine on the school trip, since he'll be with plenty of other kids from his school, surely?

[NotQuiteCockney]

Well, his primary school goes to year 8 (which is what, 13?), so I'm pretty sure he'll be doing it before secondary.

It's a very routine journey. Last year, the person who goes with him was unavailable, and I just wasn't up for taking him in, so I got a teenager to come around, and sent them off saying 'he knows the way, just go with him'.

His school is small, there are only two classes per year (and quite a few boarders), so no, not a lot of others on the bus. Although, to be fair, we might club him together with other local boys to go in, it's true.

I know, it will just evolve, I'm just thinking about it - not making concrete plans.