I would argue that the reaction to 9/11 empowered the state to terrorize parents for just about anything. The risk of a confrontation with police has escalated in the past two decades, such that any report is taken seriously and without any real consequences for making false reports. Couple that with an increase from meddling by busybodies that can report free ranging kids using their now ubiquitous cellphones, and parents quickly realize that it is safer to keep them at home.

No. I am saying it's part of the pattern that points to how American citizen's have given in to anxiety and fear (created by politicians), that they are willing to compromise on their hard won democratic rights. In this case, the pervasive fear for the safety of American kids allows American politicians to manipulate American parents to compromise on their rights for the "safety of our children". (Demand for Apple to scan all iMessages for Child Sexual Abuse Material is an extreme and good example of this).