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Original poster

Would you allow a 6 year old to go out alone?

310 replies

tonari · 24/08/2025 19:38

Almost 7.

To walk around the block with (very) small placid dog. Takes less than 5 mins.

Small, quiet village.

OP posts:
RubySquid · 24/08/2025 20:58

SunshineAndFizz · 24/08/2025 19:45

No.

Round here, kids start walking to school without parents at 9/10, so I’d personally use that as a gauge.

Yet other places ( and previously in the UK) kids used to walk themselves to school age 5. Why have they become more incapable.

As for the OP. Id maybe let child walk round block ( while keeping secret eye) but not in charge of a doh

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 24/08/2025 20:57

Not with a dog, your dog may be small and placid but the other dogs s/he may meet may very well not be.

pizzaHeart · 24/08/2025 20:57

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 24/08/2025 19:40

Absolutely fucking not

This^

MadameTwoSwords · 24/08/2025 20:56

This reply has been deleted

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

But statistically it's much safer now (in the UK) than it was in the 90s - by every metric violent crime has gone down since then, so what's changed? As humans we're really bad at assessing actual risk and very good at copying others...6 is young but the UK is notable for how few children play outside independently and it's not a good thing.

Treehugger14 · 24/08/2025 20:55

Also not in UK and my dd was walking to school at 7:30 am alone in the dark at age 6. But then she met all the other kids on the way who were doing the same.

Lifestooshort6591 · 24/08/2025 20:55

No

TaupeMember · 24/08/2025 20:54

Lockdownsceptic · 24/08/2025 20:51

Fgs How are children supposed to grow up to face the world if they never encounter anything without a parent being on their heels.

Fgs 😂

As if its ridiculous to think otherwise!

Guess youd be ok with a 4 year old down town on their own too

KilkennyCats · 24/08/2025 20:53

Lockdownsceptic · 24/08/2025 20:51

Fgs How are children supposed to grow up to face the world if they never encounter anything without a parent being on their heels.

The child is six. There’s ample time for independence.

TaupeMember · 24/08/2025 20:51

ForgottenPasswordNewAccount · 24/08/2025 20:26

Absolutely yes

I am shocked at how little independence people give to children

No wonder we have a generation of young adults with feck all coping skills

I completely disagree with this.

One bad experience, say, of older kids being intimidating, and you could give a 6ear old on their own with few coping skills, a real fear of doing anything on their own.

Ridiculous to say any 6 year old who isn't allowed out for a stroll with a dog around the neighbourhood will lack coping skills in the future is so extreme to be ridiculous

Lockdownsceptic · 24/08/2025 20:51

Fgs How are children supposed to grow up to face the world if they never encounter anything without a parent being on their heels.

Slightlydehydrated · 24/08/2025 20:49

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Louoby · 24/08/2025 20:48

Ha the fact your even asking this makes me wonder whether you need to give your head a wobble.

TaupeMember · 24/08/2025 20:48

BeltaLodaLife · 24/08/2025 20:24

Scotland

Show quote history

😂😂😂

GanninHyem · 24/08/2025 20:48

Are you crazy? It would be one thing a child doing that alone, but throw a dog into the mix, it's a recipe for disaster.

icallshade · 24/08/2025 20:47

No, I wouldn't let my children do that.

However I used to play outside all day with friends from age 4 as a child.
Crazy how times have changed.

amillionandone · 24/08/2025 20:46

No, I think that's at least a couple years too young. I just wouldn't feel it was worth the risk.

butterfly0404 · 24/08/2025 20:45

Not in a million years

AtomHeartMotherOfGod · 24/08/2025 20:45

No...

GreenCa · 24/08/2025 20:45

Definitely not. Would not allow 6 year old to walk round block by themselves, never mind being in charge of a dog.My grandchildren (age 7 and 9) like to hold our small, well behaved dogs lead, but are only allowed under supervision as the dog can suddenly pull, nearly causing them to fall over and they have also let go of the lead. I would also be concerned about meeting other, possibly unfriendly, dogs whilst out with the dog. i would not want to put a young child in that position.

Dita73 · 24/08/2025 20:44

Are you fucking high?!

Stompythedinosaur · 24/08/2025 20:44

It depends on the area you live in. My dc played out at 6, but we are in a very rural and safe area. I would never have done that in a more built up area.

I wouldn't leave a 6yo alone with a dog no matter how placid.

Lockdownsceptic · 24/08/2025 20:44

Go on! Let them go. Stand at the door and see how long it takes. They’ll be back with you in no time, unharmed. Children are not meant to be wrapped in cotton wool
all their lives. It’s very bad for them.

Pommes · 24/08/2025 20:44

No. Absolutely no way.

Sorrynotsorry2 · 24/08/2025 20:43

No ..

Peaceandlabradors · 24/08/2025 20:43

No 11 to the park across one very very quiet side road in front of the doorbell to a park on the estate - yes. Nice place to live as well.