In thinking this child's parents should pick him up?

[WhatAFlange]

Dc has a new friend and they have become quite close.

Friend was here yesterday and about 7pm said he was going home. I asked if his parents were picking him up and he said no.

Now, he lives about 3 miles away and to walk home must go down a long country road. It's at the bottom of woodland and has a path near the road which is hidden behind bushes all the way along with sparse street lights. No houses along the way, no nothing, just dense trees.

Needless to say, I drove him home. It is not safe for a 13 year old to do that walk alone at anytime, nevermind in the pitch dark.

He is here again today and of course, if his parents don't collect him I will drive him home myself. I'm happy to, and apart from that, if anything happened to him on his way home I would never forgive myself.

But, aibu to think that his parents shouldn't just leave him to it and hope for the best?

I wouldn't walk that road myself, never mind let dc walk it alone in the dark.

I meant sons' friends and their parents.

Brdgrl - that's a good point re being involved in an accident.

I will make sure he let's mum or dad know if I drop him home again

Best check he's still allowed to come to yours What.

Poor little sod only has a tshirt on too...

How many 13 year olds do you know that wear coats?

He is old enough to judge if he wants to be warm or cold.

I will continue to drive any DC that require it whether they are mine or not so they don't have to walk in the dark. I will not lose any sleep if I upset the parents by doing this.

not. butting. out.

what, I didn't assume you were being overprotective. I know this thread has gotten a bit tense, but my replies were sincere - I do think you need to talk to the other parents, and make sure they know the situation.

I think I will butt out of this thread TBH.

Hope all works out What and the friendship can continue whatever transport is agreed on. 13 year old boys are very hard work.

If this lad is walking back along deserted footpath at randomly variable times then any attacker would need either (a) a huge amout of luck to be in the "right" place at the right time, or (b) an implausible amount of patence to wait for this lad. I just don't think the risk of being attacked by a passing stranger is at all significant when there are very very few passing strangers around.
I'm assuming that the risk of RTA is minimal- e.g. he is aware of the need to be clearly visible and to be well away from the roadside if he hears a car approaching etc.
I can see why his parents think that it's his choice- if he wants to go out visiting after school then he can get himself home. I'm not convinced that this would be what I would do, but I don't think it's negligent of them.

Sunset was about 1845 and would have been lightish til 1920.

Could he have walked over Horsenden Hill via footpaths ?

I am curious as to whether he was leaving just before 7 precisely because it would still just be light.

NobodySaidItWasGoingToBeEasy

Yes, does seem to be a lit footpath from Google Earth photos.

OP are you sure you are not being taken for a ride. Oh the irony.