To post here to ask what age people think it reasonable for children to play out alone!

[scottishegg]

Hi all posting here for traffic hope it's ok, my son is 8 (yr 3) and is allowed to walk home from school ( 5 minute walk - same estate no main roads) he is also allowed to call his friend who lives up the road can go to the local park in daylight and to the corner shop! His friend is allowed to do the same but I have noticed that bar from the odd one or two children in his class then none of the other children are allowed any of this freedom! I'm just wondering what age you think is suitable for children to be out unsupervised! Is 8 too young in your opinion!

Again as others have said, it really depends on location and the nature of the child. We live between two very busy roads so DC unfortunately can't go to the shop by themselves as I don't feel they would be safe crossing the road, same with walking to school which is a miles walk with lots of roads to cross. Our school will not let children younger than year 6 leave without an adult collecting them.

They are 7 and 9 but get lots more freedom when we go away on holiday to a caravan site where there are no busy roads, I am happy for them to go further and to be out playing with other children.

DD1 was 4 when allowed to play outside on a nice estate where it is very much 'It takes a village' attitude. She was far from the youngest but adults were bobbing in and out of houses all the time. We live in the same street as the park.

DD2 was 7 and DS 6. I had been nagged for ages by friends as I had kept them in for longer than most round here, but DD2 is daft and too trusting.

It depends on the child, where you live, the atmosphere and culture around you.

Depends where you live, I guess.

My oldest started going to the village shop (5 minute walk, one quiet road) and playing on the playground/field out the back of our house when she was 6. I let her take her younger sister with her when she was 10 and DD2 was 5. I don't mind her taking DD3 as soon as she can walk properly tbh. But DD1 is 13 now so a bit different I guess.

My oldest was five but only with friends (older and younger) and only on the path along the front of house...we're not near a main road and I have the door open so I can hear her and still go out to check on her every five minutes or so

Depends on the child really, and whether you live in a reasonably quiet area.

Small village, everyone knows everyone situation and kids played out from about 7.

Where I live children play out from about 5yo and also walk to school on their own from an early age. I guess it depends where you live.