Is 7 years old too young to bike around the block alone?

Question

His father lets him go for a ride alone around his block and tells him to check in every 5 - 10 minutes . I don't fell good about this considering it only takes a few seconds for a child to be taken. i feel that my son is too young but his dad thinks that he could be taken with or without me there so what's the use in stressing !...

Answer 1

I would still watch your 7 yr old, but i dont know thats just me.

Answer 2

Uhhh yea! he's 2 darn young! My parents don't even let me do dat and i'm 12!

Answer 3

i think if you feel comfortable with your neighborhood & neighbors it's ok. sure let's face it bad things CAN happen but you can;t let the fear of them rule your life. however if you really think 7 is too young you could try to negotiate with your husband to come up with an age you feel more comfortable with, just saying 7 is too young probably just gets his saying no it isn;t, but if you countered with "why don't we wait til he's 9" you might have better luck convincing your hubby

Answer 4

I think it's fine if you live in a safe area and know your neighbors.

Answer 5

Yes, 7 is definitely too young. You don't know the people that could be there, and his father doesn't either. It's not safe to do things like that this day and age. Wow, I sound really old. I'm only 15, but I think that a good age to be able to do that is 10 or 11, with a cell phone.

Answer 6

No.  

While you may trust your 7 year old, you cannot trust many people.   Pedophiles scour friendly neighborhoods hoping to find a helpful child to offer directions, look for a lost dog, etc.       If your son ends up abducted, you will not know from where; when; a description of whome abducted him; a description of the vehicle, etc.  

Someone could break into your home, so why lock the door?      You could get a cavity, so why brush your teeth or go to the dentist?     I'm sorry, I just don't buy the argument that he could get abducted if you were there or not.     The chances are a whole lot less if you are there.  

When I was a kid, I rode my bike and walked miles from home, not checking in till dinner time.   My parents were good people, took good care of me, but the times were a whole lot different than now.     You can never be too careful.  

Use your motherly instinct.    It'll serve you well.

Answer 7

No way he is too young. He shouldn't go out of your sight. Someone could grab him in a heartbeat.

Answer 8

as long as you trust your son and know he won't go any further and if he needs help to come straight home its definitely fine.  Also if you live in a safe area/community and trust your neighbors it's no big deal! Before he leaves just tell him to tell you when he leaves and make sure he tells you when he's home.

Answer 9

I know that some parents let that young children to do it ,but I am absolutely against it . Just yesterdays I had to stop my car abruptly in front of about 12 year old boy who darted on the street from behind a car.Thank god I was driving slowly.

The street is not a save place for kids.They don't have  good judgment yet they are not capable to anticipate danger.There are plenty of other places were he can safely ride the bike.And he should do it with responsible adult.