I grew up then and did some things that would give a parent nightmares today. Nothing bad ever happened, I never felt like I was in danger and you never read horror stories in the media. Things were simpler then and every kid was safe.
When I was 8 I joined the Boys Club. It was about a mile from home. Evening hours were 6 to 9, and after dinner I would make my way to the club and hang out until it closed and walked home. Never gave it a thought. Today the busy bodies from social services would be arresting my parents and put me in foster care.