I have to say I haven't done any research on the subject but all I could think was "fear mongering". I think there is a risk, no doubt but not a prevalent one.
I really don't believe that crime has increased, I think it's been the opposite. That said, it may rise again in the face of a recession. Certainly the number of crime dramas on television have increased which may be contributing to a perception of increased crime.
There is also a periphery story at play here, childhood obesity. Seriously. Fewer kids are walking to school, they're getting a ride from their parents instead.
When it's time for Petra to go to school, I'll rely on the buddy system and teach her about potential dangers that she'll face. It's the only way to prepare her for later stabs at independence like: public transportation, summer camp, and sports teams. Basically anything out of the house and out of my sight.
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i couldn't agree with you more gina, that is plain and simple fear mongering
ReplyDeletei think it's so sad that a lot of kids don't get to ride their bikes everywhere like we used to...
i didn't mention that they were running the poll based on a story of an attempted abduction of a girl. on the 6 o'clock news they said the girl made the whole story up.
ReplyDeleteooooooo you must read "Under Pressure - Rescuing our children from the culture of hyperparenting" by Carl Honore (the same guy who wrote the award-winning "in praise of slow"). It puts this exact topic in a broader context and links it up to all kinds of related hyperparenting issues. I lent my copy out already but if I get it back when you come to town you can borrow it if ya' want.
ReplyDeleteLee
Owen will definitely be walking to school when the time comes. Maybe he and Petra can walk together :) Have you checked out the blog http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/ ? It's all about this kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteI have seen that blog but I couldn't remember the address. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteChildren need to learn to observe behavior and also to be taught that adults can be wrong and/or bad.
ReplyDeleteThey need to know that they say no to anyone that invades their personal space.
Teaching fear stops thinking and creates a sense of being out of control.
Linda
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