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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To allow 8/9 year olds to walk around a shopping centre alone (I’ll be in centre) for half hour?

224 replies

Egghead81 · 07/05/2021 18:17

My older child has an activity within a shopping centre

I was thinking of my daughter 8.5 and her friend 9 (needless to say telling her mother!) being given a pound each and allowed to go to smiths alone to by some treats and then have a wander in claire’s accessories etc. And then I meet them thirty mins later.

Very sensible girls. Thoughts?

OP posts:
lonel · 07/05/2021 18:20

I wouldn't like this to be honest and I am quite easy going. Unless you can see them, you don't know exactly what is happening. What if someone approaches them and they don't know what to do?

Happycat1212 · 07/05/2021 18:20

Erm no 😕

wizzywig · 07/05/2021 18:21

Nah

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 07/05/2021 18:21

No, I wouldn’t. Too young plus window shopping is boring and would they be able to follow the covid guidelines if unsupervised? It Kate’s more sense to stay with the younger ones if the older is being supervised at an activity.

Original poster
Egghead81 · 07/05/2021 18:23

Agreed
Ok - I knew that in my heart but I just feel guilty that youngest always tagging along to these things so was looking for a way to treat her

I think a pre trip to claire’s accessorise and a new book will do the trick!

OP posts:
AlwaysLatte · 07/05/2021 18:23

I wouldn't, maybe let them go in but sit on the seats in the middle so you can see the door?

22Giraffes · 07/05/2021 18:23

Absolutely no way I would let ds 9 do this. I was in Brent Cross this week the day before a young man was stabbed to death inside there. Shopping centres are busy, crowded (despite covid regs) and not suitable for young unaccompanied children imo.

Original poster
Egghead81 · 07/05/2021 18:24

@IceCreamAndCandyfloss

No, I wouldn’t. Too young plus window shopping is boring and would they be able to follow the covid guidelines if unsupervised? It Kate’s more sense to stay with the younger ones if the older is being supervised at an activity.
What Covid rules?!

Other than face masks, i am completely unaware of any other rules in place on shopping centres!

OP posts:
4PawsGood · 07/05/2021 18:24

You can let them go into a shop and then meet them outside or and then post them into the next. That seems like a good compromise?

sunflowersandbuttercups · 07/05/2021 18:25

I was allowed into town with a friend at this age, so for me, it would be fine as long as you were nearby. I would maybe give your DD a phone so they could contact you if necessary, too.

Kids of that age walk to/from school alone here and I often see them hanging out/playing down the park too, so I'm quite surprised at so many people saying no.

CHiSOCG · 07/05/2021 18:27

Claire’s has a minimum numbers

Sorry also abductions from Shopping Centres do happen. I don’t want to mention the case as it’s so horrific but we all know the one.

Happycat1212 · 07/05/2021 18:27

I’ve only just started letting my 9 year old go into the corner shop alone with me standing outside, I’m surprised you think it’s ok to let a 8 And 9 year old wonder around a shopping centre alone

Bul21ia · 07/05/2021 18:27

@22Giraffes

Absolutely no way I would let ds 9 do this. I was in Brent Cross this week the day before a young man was stabbed to death inside there. Shopping centres are busy, crowded (despite covid regs) and not suitable for young unaccompanied children imo.
I agree!
CHiSOCG · 07/05/2021 18:28

Round here kids from Year 6 can walk home

Antiqueanniesmagiclanternshow · 07/05/2021 18:28

Not a chance sorry

idontlikealdi · 07/05/2021 18:28

Not a chance. They're not 8 in y6.

Lulu1919 · 07/05/2021 18:28

Mine were 12 before I allowed this
They were able to go off in a small indoor shopping mall for an hour.
Then had to meet me outside M&S

SpringSparrow · 07/05/2021 18:28

Don’t really see the point of them going off alone. They’d probably enjoy it just as much if you take them and it’s less risky. Claire’s used to have surprise bags for a couple of pounds which were fun to buy. Maybe take your dd and her friend to Claire’s and then to get a drink together.

Mushypeasandchipstogo · 07/05/2021 18:30

Absolutely no way!

Bluebird76 · 07/05/2021 18:30

In the 80s, I used to get on a bus with a friend to mooch round the city centre shops, then get the his home again Grin I don't think the risk is any greater today (probably lower, as traffic was worse then). It's sad how much freedom kids have lost over the past 35 years. Fwiw I would actually have let two out of my three kids do this at 8/9, but not the third!! Don't see that it's a huge deal personally, if they are sensible.

Moonlaserbearwolf · 07/05/2021 18:31

Alone with just a pound sounds like torture!
I would go with them and treat them to a hot choc or give them a few pounds for Claire’s while you stand outside.

Bluebird76 · 07/05/2021 18:31

The *bus

sunflowersandbuttercups · 07/05/2021 18:34

@CHiSOCG

Round here kids from Year 6 can walk home
Around here they can walk home from year 5, which is aged 9.

Kids also go out to play down the park or go to the shops to get ice-cream on their own from aged 8 or so. I suspect it must differ depending on where you live.

alexdgr8 · 07/05/2021 18:34

no, i don't like it, and i'm one of the few who are all for juniors walking to school without adults.
but this scenario sounds and feels different.
i think it is the element of hanging around which makes them more vulnerable, rather than a purposeful and time limited activity eg getting to school on time.

NameChangedForThisFeb21 · 07/05/2021 18:35

What Covid rules?!

Other than face masks, i am completely unaware of any other rules in place on shopping centres!

You’re completely unaware of social distancing? That you aren’t supposed to be within 2 metres of others? That lots of shops require you to sanitise hands on entry, not touch things or try things on that you aren’t buying and that you’re often expected to stand on markings to queue? Or wait to get in if a shop is at capacity?

Is it really that much of a bother to just supervise an 8 year old and her friend?