is 11 too young for a going into town alone?

[PeanutPies]

My daughter has been invited for a friends meet-up- the plan is to be dropped at the friends place and then a group of them (4 girls) walk into town for a few hours and then walk back to the friends house. The host lives about 10 mins from the town- and my daughter will be having her phone. However she has not been into town without adult supervision before- I think it's all the news you hear nowadays that's making me nervous. I know she needs to learn to be independent just not sure of when is the right time-

11 sounds fine to me.

We’re in London and all the yr 7 kids get to and from school alone - most of whom are 11 at least to start with.

If these are autumn born yr 6s they’re the same age as the younger yr 7s who are travelling about independently.

And if they lose their phone or run out of battery? My eldest was 14 when got phone. Friends similar age

Sorry you’ve had that experience. I’d do the same thing if I were you.

In my area most children have been walking to and from school from year 6, many from year 5.

They’ll use a friend’s phone

why

Town as in Dumfries, Aviemore, Portrush, Oban = definitely.

Town as in Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast = probably not.

It hugely depends on the actual town you live in. By secondary school a lot of children are having to travel further, including going in and out of town centres and changing buses. At this time of year it’s best if they go in earlier in the day so that they can be back before dark. And make sure she sticks with her friends and calls you if there are any problems.

They'll be absolutely fine. Mine were going into the city centre by that age. The worst that happened was that they lost track of time in a shop on one occasion and were a bit late home.

I did it with friends when I was that age, and that was before the days of mobile phones.

How does your DD travel to school @PeanutPies?

I think it's fine, as long as they're sensible kids and your town isn't super sketchy. Presume it will be daylight? Talk through some scenarios with her so she knows what to do.

OP has already said that her dd will have her phone. If she loses her phone or runs out of battery, surely another friend will have one she can use

Best hope they don't get separated from friends then or stomp off ( looking at you DD1)

Thank you for all the helpful and encouraging comments- she has had a great time. I’m sure it’s helped her grow in confidence...🙂

Good news, thanks OP.