at what age would/did you allow dcs to'call on' friends?

[mumnosbest]

ds is almost 8. recently a friend of ds called to play on the way home from school. now ds wants to do the same. the friend lives at the end of our road (just within sight) with only a small side road to cross. i cpuld watch him go but not come home.

i think my concerns are less about him getting there safely but more about playing at a complete strangers house. however its nice he has a friend living on the street. i can remember calling for friends as a kid. am i right to be reluctant or is he old enough for a bit of freedom?

At that age I would want a quick word with the parents of the friend first tbh.

Think I will look out for them at hometime. Don't want to appear too fussy, kids here seem to be in and out of eachothers houses but the parents all grew up here and know eachother. I didn't and don't know who I should/shouldn't trust.

I would have a chat with mum first and take it from there :)