I walked to school back when I was in elementary school. In grade 2, my mother confirmed that I remembered the stranger rules, and stopped walking with me. It was about a 2km walk.
Why is it ok for this to not be the norm? Why do people just accept that their kids are growing up in a city where they can't be allowed to explore their environment?
I've lived on both sides of the fence. I cover much more ground living in the city then I ever did living in the country or suburbs. I drive 1-2 times a month now compared to 2-3 time a day living outside the city. In my experience the city inspires a lot more exploration. My daughter is all over Toronto on a daily basis.
"Stranger rules" are a net negative, in my opinion. The threat from strangers is overblown--if you want to minimize danger to your kids at the all costs, don't let them see relatives, ever.
Why is it ok for this to not be the norm? Why do people just accept that their kids are growing up in a city where they can't be allowed to explore their environment?