Children need to understand dangers and how they can avoid them but they also mustn’t be made too fearful to go out. After all, staying inactive carries a greater risk to physical and mental health in the long term.
People say that children grow up faster today. Children may be avid consumers of adult culture. They may adopt adult mannerisms and styles. They certainly get to grips with new technology far more easily than we grown-ups. But when it comes to everyday freedoms – like walking to school alone, or meeting friends in the park – a very different picture emerges. It is important to get the balance right when teaching about dangers and risk.