at a busy junction, I cross every day and know the exact sequence of lights. There is about 30 seconds every 4 minutes the light is green for pedestrians. There are other times it’s same to cross at my point as traffic is going in other directions but the entire junction stays red for pedestrians.
There are a couple of these on my way to station and every morning I need to cross this to catch a train, and if I wait for green I could miss my train. Lots of others do it too, but not many with young kids (it’s also a school run route).
if I’m with my kids (7 and 5), I always wait for the green man regardless and they know they must too as they don’t know the sequence. When they ask why others do it I say they are taking a silly risk, never copy etc.
However I do cross alone on red when other kids are around, overheard a young boy this morning as me and a couple of others stepped out “why are they crossing when it’s not green”, mum loudly: “because they are ignorant t**ts”. Aside from her disgusting language in front of a small child I felt berated and guilty enough to reconsider if I’m okay to do this.
YABU - always wait until green, especially when any kids are around
YANBU - cross if you know it’s safe, kids are with a responsible adult who should be taking the responsibility and explaining when it’s safe