[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by Alf

I'm sure their could be a few reasons. I'd say the break up of communities is one reason.

Vioence and predators aren't a new phenomenon, it's just that people pay more attention to it then they used to.

[Alf]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

Vioence and predators aren't a new phenomenon, it's just that people pay more attention to it then they used to.

And drugs also cause paranoia.

Like I said, there are many reasons how we got to the point we have.

[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by Alf

And drugs also cause paranoia.

Like I said, there are many reasons how we got to the point we have.

Most of it comes from the simple fact that we acknowledge these things now when they were brushed under the table a few decades ago.

[Toy Soldier]

I do think there are probably more "Scary Looking People" in town centres than there were say 40 years ago, lots of addicts around etc., but that's more a perceived risk than an actual risk. In reality, the vast, vast majority of those "dodgy people", even the ones totally out of it on various substances, would absolutely never even think of harming a child in any way. Might try to chat to them and accidentally scare them but that's about it.

[LeatherTrumpet]

happened all the time back in the day

id just have ignored it and walked on

[GoldHeart]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Statistically though kids really weren't much safer "back then" that they are now... It's just that the horror stories from all over the world get around fast, making something that IS still very, very rare (child abduction) seem more common than it is.

I mean, I do "get it" to be fair. My daughter (8) plays out with her friends a lot, and I don't give it a second thought now, but it took me a while to get used to it and accept that her playing outside with her friends is statistically much, much safer than a whole host of things. E.g. A child is actually at much more risk every single time you take them on a car journey than they are playing outdoors, or even waiting outside a shop.

I never said they were safer back then but people didn't see it as much of a problem , I assume we're talking pre 1980's ? Kids played out more ,I suppose it was seen as a good thing as they were exercising and getting fresh air ,things have changed today where they're mostly cooped inside playing video games .

Or when they do go out they have to be careful and more aware of their surroundings.

But there's definitely more dangerous risks today or so it seems.