How Children Lost the Right to Roam in Just 4 Generations

Re:How Children Lost the Right to Roam in Just 4 Generations by NamTaf on Wednesday February 01, 2017 @09:14PM (#13547499)

When I grew up (in Australia) in the early-to-mid 90s I was allowed to roam quite a bit. The rough rule of thumb was that I would need to be home by sunset or have already called mum from a friend's house letting her know where I was and agreeing to a plan to stay after sunset. I think my parents struck a pretty good balance between driving me places when it made sense vs. just making me ride a bike/walk to the local town area or to friends' houses when I wanted to go of my own accord - it taught me responsibility and independence.

I really value it (still) and plan to allow the same freedoms if I have kids.

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Re:How Children Lost the Right to Roam in Just 4 Generations by flukus on Wednesday February 01, 2017 @09:36PM (#13547600)

Same for me, go anywhere but be back by 6 when dinner goes on the table.

I wonder if this explains a lot about child hood obesity, when ever I go back to where I grew up I'm amazed at the sheer number of miles I did everyday by walking or by bike. If I stay with my parents now and go to the beach I'm getting a lift or a cab, but we used to walk or bike from the same house, often multiple times a day. Often laden with fishing gear as well.

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Re:How Children Lost the Right to Roam in Just 4 Generations by JammyDodger on Thursday February 02, 2017 @01:11AM (#13548506)

Similar story, grew up in a rural part of England in the mid 90s. Simple rules, be back before dark or call if you're not. Summer holidays were the best as it wouldn't get dark until 10pm

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