True. Also, I think subdivision layouts and the "subdivision mindset" have something to do with kids not running around in herds, like we used to.
Also, I suspect there really is more danger for kids than there used to be, in the form of sexual predators.
But I think there's also a rather powerful "ninny state," which does things like replace playground equipment with "safe" stuff, plus a somewhat suffocating overprotectiveness on the part of parents.
"Also, I suspect there really is more danger for kids than there used to be, in the form of sexual predators."
I think they have always been around. It's just we are more aware of them now.
"But I think there's also a rather powerful "ninny state," which does things like replace playground equipment with "safe" stuff, plus a somewhat suffocating overprotectiveness on the part of parents."
Not just that. But some don't even make the playgrounds accessable after school hours. And I have seen where some communities have done away with 'public' playgrounds because of 'fear' of the predators.
It seems sometimes, that common sense has gone right out the window when it comes to child rearing.
...somewhat suffocating overprotectiveness on the part of parents.
^^^
Many of the so-called parents don't even know their own children or what normal children's play should look like because they farm their kids out to the care of strangers for most of the child's life.