[II2II]

It is a very real concern.

Most people know that taking an interest in children who are not in their care is frowned upon and will not watch other people's children unless there is very good reason to. As a result, someone watching children with unknown motivations is suspect. Should it be that way? Probably not, but it is given the social context.

This is even evident in public spaces. If an unknown person is watching children, someone will strike up a conversation with them. It isn't about being friendly. In fact, the person responsible for the safety of the children is probably quite annoyed. The point of that conversation to let the unknown person know that their presence is known and that they are being monitored. Why? A social norm is being violated so extra care must be taken. Is the concern excessive? Perhaps, but it is negligence if extra care is not taken and something happens.

That social expectation does not simply disappear when technology is involved. In some ways, the violation is worse since it is easier for that unknown person to conceal their presence.

(Source: I am involved with recreation programming.)