how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

I am just curious on what everyone thinks.......Alot of my DDs friends (7th grade) are going to the movies in a group (no adults)
they also shop at the mall (no adults)

I tend to be a strict parent and am usually the last to "give in" on these types of things

but I am soooo afraid that someone will take my child or hurt her
I finally allowed her to ride her bike around the block this past summer and I still make her call me like every 15 minutes when she does

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

IMO- 12.

I do think thats young, but these days I know thats the age they are doing it, so I guess I would likely give in and allow it at that age.

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

My parents were pretty overprotective but I definitely remember being dropped off at the movies with friends in 7th grade.

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

12 came to my mind as well.

And, at 12, I am not so much afraid of them being grabbed as much as I am scared of peer pressure and shop lifting. That was really popular among my group. I was too scared, but my friends got into a lot of trouble.

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

My oldest ds is 12 and there is no way I would drop him off at the movies or the mall!! A lot of the kids his age are going in big groups, but he is definitely a follower and not a leader-so I am worried he will just do anything they say. I just started letting him go up to the pizza place up the block with friends, but that is 2 minutes away. He complains, but I think by next year(8th grade) he will be a little more mature!
So I guess it all depends on your dc and if you are comfortable. hth

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

30

My kids will never be allowed out of the house

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

For me, it depends. Certainly no YOUNGER than 12/13 - but that's completely contingent on the maturity level of the child.

For examply - Rob's nieces started going to the mall, etc.. at 13 without parents. Both mature, capable girls with all the social and emotional tools needed to handle a variety of situations. On the other hand - my nephew is 13 and I just don't think he's got the maturity necessary to be in the mall without supervision.

As for me... I DREAD the day one of my kids asks me to let them go to the mall alone!! Robbie is 7 and I still have to go on playdates with him - unless I KNOW the parents, the house, the kid, etc..

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

UGH!!!! Yesterday my girls and their friends wanted me to let them walk to Taco Bell....

Im going to say 12 or so.

Basically what Ive been doing with them is baby steps...I dont know if that's more for me or for them...

The twins will be 10 next week. I let them ride their bikes or walk the dog around the block. But that is only when there are 2 or more of them...They get themselves off the bus...At Target they can go to a different section of the store (but they cant wander around)..

For me I'd probably start by letting her go to one movie with their friends while I was in a different theatre..

I have found that it also depends alot upon who they are hanging out with. My girls tend to get in more trouble with certain kids than others.

Re: how old is old enough to be dropped off at the mall and to a movie??

DD is now 14 and at 13 i would let her walk around the ,mall with her friend, but i was right there. meaning, she can wonder the mall but I was not leaving the mall. found a spot to sit and l told them i will be right here. when you are done find me. so it was like a out of site out of mind thing. i was NEVER allowed to go to the mall with my friends and they all use to take a public bus to go. I was fine with that being I hate the mall.