Children walking by a very busy road, am I being a busy body?

[Twoweeksinaugust]

Most days I see 2 dc who I know to be 6 and 10 walking to the bus stop next to a very busy dual carriageway. This is on the way to school and home again.

Having dc of the same age I would absolutely not even dream of this, knowing how busy the road is (major A road through a city). It just seems such a risk.

AIBU completely unreasonable? I'm half tempted to give the school a call so they could speak to the parents, if anything happened I'd not live with myself!

Maybe I'm over reacting though and should stop giving it any thought?

If they’re doing running races and kicking balls and generally seeming unsafe, maybe it’s worth saying something to school. If they are sensibly walking to the stop and waiting, great. Carry on.

If you KNOW them to be six and ten, surely you could approach having this conversation with their parents (e g. offering a daily lift to the bus stop and back?)

Very unusual for a school to allow a 6 year old to leave at the end of the day without an adult.

If they’re walking sensibly on a path next to the road then that’s fine. If they’re messing around or walking on the road, I’d definitely say something.

Agree with those who say if they are simply walking to a bus stop then YABU. The school will be aware that they are leaving together at the end of the day and not collected by a parent.

It's not idea, but perhaps it is the best the parents can do, if they have to be at work before this.

Is it a school bus? They probably get on it at school for the journey home. Otherwise in the mornings how else can they get to the bus stop? If you’re just concerned because they are walking next to a busy road then what do you want / think will happen if you tell the school? You don’t mention them running in the road playing chicken, They have to get to the bus stop somehow!

Thanks so much, I won't give it another thought, I did wonder if I was projecting a bit as I'd not let my 6 y/o walk without adult supervision in such a busy road. If their parents are happy with it then it's absolutely nothing to do with me.

Crikey I do overthink things sometimes!

I wouldn’t want a 6yo crossing a road but they’re capable of walking on a pavement and old enough to not run out into the road. That said, dc ages are hard to judge. In year 8, dd wore age 7-8 clothing and looked like a younger cousin the mum made the older kids allow to come along but she was the same age. She’s gone into year 11 having finally had a growth spurt and is now 5’3” but it took a while.

I personally would give the school a ring. It won't do any harm and might clear your mind. Just because the parents think it's OK doesn't mean it is.

I phoned the local primary near a friends house as there was a very young child on his bike cycling on the main rd he had no helmet and was weaving about didn’t look that steady.
My friend had seen him too , a few times and was worried but didn’t want like you to phone the school .
However when it comes children’s safety you can’t be too careful so I just phoned the school especially as 2 older boys from same school in front of me said oh there he goes he’s crazy! I thought if the older boys think it’s dangerous then adults should take it seriously! I’d phone the school it might be part bigger picture of neglect.

How on earth is 2 kids walking on a pavement to a bus stop neglect?!

Entirely depends what the path is like for me. We walk along a busy dual carriageway for a few minutes and I would let my son do that alone if someone was meeting him at the other end, but there's a grass verge. a cycle path and another small grass verge before the footpath. (I wouldn't let him cycle it without me, I go between him and the road unless someone is coming the other way and I drop behind briefly)

Two children walking by a road is not something I would be concerned about if I am honest.

What a nice sensible response from you! So rare….