I should have worded that better. The modern day world is full of sick ****s whichever way you looks, TV, Radio, Media, internet, etc, there is always a story. Whereas yesteryear things were'n't reported, people weren't caught, science wasn't as good so the sick ****s got away with things. there are no more or no less than there used to be, people are just more aware of what there actually is. Of course, you are right to say kids should have more freedom and be allowed to use their own instinct but when one in a thousand kids (even a million if you like) get caught up in something, would you be prepared to take that risk with your child? Clearly not all kids "knew a bad un" as you say, imagine how you'll feel if your child is the one! It's not about the likelihood, its about the consequence!