To think 8/9 year olds shouldn’t be doing this

@Pluggoo I'm also incredibly wary of my son being out by himself (he's 10) and only allowed to either walk home from school or stop off at the park after school and then walk home (the park is only about 3 minutes from our house).
Like you, I've taught him all about road safety and what to do if he encounters a stranger or anyone who makes him feel uncomfortable, BUT I still worry like mad when he's out!
Tbf, I only let him start going to the park and walking home from school just before the summer holidays (end of year 5) but he was still 10 years old then... I wouldn't have done it at age 8/9, but he has ADHD and can be very impulsive and a bit gobby if he feels threatened (by other kids etc).

I think it depends on your child's maturity, the area you live and your own peace of mind as to whether you allow it at the age of 8/9. Follow your gut :-)

This is the kind of childhood all children should be having but our generation seems to be hyper danger aware! I've been described as giving my year 4 son a "90s childhood" because he's out playing in the fields behind the house and walks 10 minutes to the park across a main road (it has a pedestrian crossing). He also scooters to school by himself as it's only just under a mile away. No he doesn't have a phone but has a wristwatch and knows what time to be back. However all my friends with children his age see danger everywhere.
It results in quite a sedentary childhood with minimal risk taking and excessive screen time. Then suddenly they are at high school with loads of independence and few skills to deal with any problems or situations that occur.

Children need to be out playing and adventuring. This is the hill I'm willing to die on.

My year 5 child doesn’t have a phone. He walks home from school alone but that’s v low risk. I wouldn’t assume these kids in the OP have a phone. Voted YABU though!

What are the chances of a grown woman fighting off a man? Pretty slim, yet we don't say grown woman shouldn't walk up the road or go to the park.

A busy road and no crossings don’t sound good.
Could you drop and pick up at the football field.

How many children in this country do you think have been assaulted by unknown men in a random encounter outside?

Unless you live in a particularly dangerous area, then it is fine, though I can understand your concern about the road with speeders. Do they actually have to cross the road though or is it just walking up the road to the field without crossing it?

It’s tricky if he’s young in year.
Is there a compromise that’s not so obvious eg you walk up same time as you are going to the shops etc.

How do they cross the road? Is there a crossing or lights.
Children that age do play out in park near me but it’s an estate.
If you aren’t comfortable he’s safe say no.

Think back to what you were capable of at that age and what you were able to cope with. Your dc, assuming no send, will be capable of similar.

I was walking to and from school across town, 10-15 minutes away, crossing one very busy main road and several other smaller ones at that age with no major problems. We all walked together and, despite the dicking about, looked after each other and knew how to get help if it was ever needed.

Everyone is different but I wouldn't have been comfortable with this when my DS was that age. Might depend where you live though. I'm in a big urban town and no other kids were doing that at that age. In my friend's lovely village up North, they probably were.

How many 8 year olds have been stabbed/a victim of knife crime in your area?

Dangers of what? Walking along a pavement... Playing in a field....?

Do you live in an area with lots of knife crime? It’s vanishingly rare where I am and usually between adults, not kids.

What I mean is are you assessing clear and present dangers that are likely to affect your son, or are you worrying about things in the media which are unlikely to affect your son or are your fears more solid?

‘Stranger Danger’ is massively overhyped. Children are less at risk than they were a generation ago thanks to better awareness of safeguarding.

And of course the people who are an actual risk to children are friends and family.

At 8 he should understand road safety to the point of using the pavement near a busy road.

This is one of those threads where MN goes against the grain. 8/9 is too young for this imo. My daughter is 8 in year 3 and there is just no way. Year 6 yes, sure, but not year 4. My niece is year 4 and I'm certain my SIL wouldn't let her do this. My friend has a DS in year 4 and she wouldn't either. And no, most year 4s do not have phones. Go with your instincts OP. If you're doubting it, it's because you know he's not ready.

I get that but stranger abductions and assaults really are vanishingly rare and you can teach kids to be mindful of the dangers. We also have phones these days.

at the end of the day, you’re the only one who will be able to assess his readiness for it though.

Have you taught him everything? Say no, his route home, his address, phone numbers?

Then this will be so great for him and build his confidence and your trust in him.

Maybe some deep breaths and focus on how well you've raised him that he has friends, wants to play and do this.