Would you be comfortable with this...

[MegGriffin]

Dd15 is going to a concert in Camden on Sunday. She is going with a 18 year old friend who we know. We live an hour away from London. My question is would you be comfortable letting your 15 year old travel up on train to Victoria where she will meet 18 year old friend. They will make their way on the tube to Camden (one change), go to concert and travel back around 10pm on tube to Victoria then train back home. The friend is coming back to ours so 15 year old will not be on her own after the initial journey.

She is sensible so I completely trust her but I'm worried about them being approached or something going wrong, particularly as it's nighttime. I suppose as I'm not familiar with London so don't know how safe it is. The alternative is we accompany her and go and have dinner whilst they go to concert then accompany them home.

Normally i'm good with this sort of thing but just feel unsure what to do. What would you do if it was your 15 year old?

I think
A sensible 15 year old and a known , presumably trusted 18 year old will be fine.
I spent my youth trotting safely round london( went to school on the tube).
The tube is medium busy at 10 on a Sunday night, so they won’t be alone.
Why don’t you go through some scenarios with your DD , like what to do and say if they are approached, that could put your mind at rest. I always emphasise to mine that if they feel a frisson of fear to never override it, and to forget all politeness and “manners” in that type of situation.

Then general safety stuff like phone and card in an inside pocket. Nothing valuable in back pack.

She will get a lot from that feeling of freedom , it’s all part of growing up.

Totally depends on how sensible her and her friend are in general. If they are, I'd allow it yes.

Thank you so much for your replies. I would go through what to do in certain situations and will be at the end of the phone the whole time, subject to reception. I woulld also give her an emergency £20 in case she lost her train ticket or something. Are there visible staff around on Sunday night at the tube stations?

I would want more info re 18 year old friend and to speak to them before. I think you should get their name and adddress as well.

She’s going on one train alone, that’s all. It’s totally fine. Don’t overthink it. Victoria station is busy with people & staff all the time, and she’ll hsbe a phone to call you if she needs advice.

User

Did you actually read the OP?

She is going with a 18 year old friend who we know

How would she feel about you & DH travelling there & back with them? If she wouldn’t mind, I’d do that. If she really wants to do it on her own I’d let her.

Yes, there are tube staff around on Sunday night.

Bloody hell she's 15 and getting a train! Unless she has SN you're being totally OTT. Kids in London travel by public transport themselves from age 11!

Thanks all, I just needed to hear it from others. Can't help worrying it's normal but will say she can go without us.

When I was 15 I went to a concert 100+ miles away from home with a (15 year old) friend. We had a ball! We were sensible/if obsessed by boys. Didn't get drunk. Didn't do anything we shouldn't have. Still a fantastic memory!