[zaptheimpaler]

I'm not a parent but how bad is this social policing on letting your kid have a life outside? Are there actual laws against abuse that are weaponized in these situations or is it kind of a social stigma. Like I really really do not plan on over sheltering my kids unless forced to at gunpoint.

[pleoxy]

So, my state has laws on the books to explicitly protect reasonable solo outdoor play.

I still get reported by random people if my kids are outside, in our own front yard, without a visible parent watching. They call the cops, sometimes other agencies.

The police come and lecture me with a tone that I shouldn't do anything that might cause someone to call. That they shouldn't be in our own yard without direct supervision.

The agencies will sometimes come do a "wellness check" when you have enough reports against you. It's really creepy having state agencies looking for problems at your place that have nothing to do with the reports.

If you fail they can haul off your kids. Lots of rumors that they can be capricious and don't require any court proceedings.

So I don't let my kids play much outside. Nobody seems to care what is reasonable or legal.

[Footnote7341]

The people I live with are extremely anxious to even let their CATS outside, there is no way anyones letting their kids run around the street anymore. It's pure social pressure.