How old, is old enough?

[YodaGirl]

Ok I'll give you 3, Now for one minute tell me you are seriously going to say it is a threatening dangerous place when you can find 3 in 40 years and hundreds of thousands of teens walking around Disney alone!!! My extremely safe city has more than that in 1 year.

Wow if I could get those odds on the lottery I'd take all my savings and buy tickets.

And by limited space i mean it is a restricted area that you have to pay admission to get into with closed in boundaries. There is not free going and coming to Disney there are only certain guarded entrances and exits.

I posted 5 - 3 from guests; 2 from cast members. I would venture to say that there are more than the 5 that I found after searching for 60 seconds or less.

I'm sure predators can pay to get in just as easily as non-predators.

No, sexual predators at Disney are not the norm. It does happen, though. People in general (myself included) tend to get into a utopia-type feel at Disney. Not saying that we expect everything to be perfect, but that we tend to have a greater sense of "it can't happen to me" when at Disney. I would just hate for anything to happen to anyone because they thought that it "couldn't happen at Disney".

 

[delmar411]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but your statement leads me to believe that you don't think anything along that line can happen in Disney World.

A quick search turned up these two articles, all pertaining to Disney employees:
Disney Worker Charged with Sexual Assault on Guest

Disney Employee Arrested for Trying to Meet 14-Year-Old Girl for Sex

Also, while I understand that Wikipedia isn't the most reliable source, they do have three incidents listed of sexual incidences involving guests:
Incidents at Walt Disney World Resort

It can, and does, happen at Disney.

Let's see the first link is an adult not a child. The 2nd link is also an adult not a child. There just are plenty of pervs that fall prey to police stings and they have to work someplace.

And the wiki link reports are why my teen DD isn't allowed to go to the waterparks on her own even though she wants to. (and they aren't as secure and pose risks of their own that I'm not comfortable with)

So unless someone can come up with odds of say even 1% chance that my child is really at risk at WDW, then I'm not going to worry about it.

And of course it can happen at WDW. It can happen at the grocery store or at the playground or school or where ever. It's just not likely to even be an issue.

 

[YodaGirl]

Let's see the first link is an adult not a child. The 2nd link is also an adult not a child. There just are plenty of pervs that fall prey to police stings and they have to work someplace.

And the wiki link reports are why my teen DD isn't allowed to go to the waterparks on her own even though she wants to. (and they aren't as secure and pose risks of their own that I'm not comfortable with)

So unless someone can come up with odds of say even 1% chance that my child is really at risk at WDW, then I'm not going to worry about it.

And of course it can happen at WDW. It can happen at the grocery store or at the playground or school or where ever. It's just not likely to even be an issue.

If it can happen to an adult, it can most definitely happen to a child/teen.

While doing a quick search for arrest statistics, I found this:

Man Accused of Sex Assault at Disney Resort - It involves a 12 yr old girl.

I'm not going to spend a lot of time looking for arrest statistics, because the point is that each search comes up with another incident. It's not a matter of how many, but it's a matter that they do occur. I've already said that I don't believe that it's a great chance that something will happen, just that the chance exists.

The chances are likely no matter where you are that you won't fall victim to a predator. It's still important to be aware that it can happen, and to be diligent to lower the risk - no matter how low it is to begin with. Is it likely that if I walk to my car, by myself, at night, in an empty parking lot, while listening to my mp3 player that something bad would happen? No, but we all know better than to do that, and take precautions against it.

But, that's really beside the point. As I mentioned earlier, that's not the main reason that I don't feel it is a necessity to allow children/teens to roam freely at WDW.

 

[spacemountainmom]

Perhaps I read too much into the op statements, but she struck me as a "really overprotective" parent. I just cannot imagine questioning as to whether or not a "normal" 15 year old and 13 year old are capable of being alone in the parks for a time. Yes, the world wouldn't end if I didn't allow my kids that freedom, but short breaks are usually good when spending 24/7 with the family.

It is rather unfortunate what happened to her nephew, but children cannot be put in a bubble and protected from everything and/or everyone.

I agree that stuff can happen even at WDW. I am doing my children a huge disservice if I do not teach them the skills they need to cope with the world we live in.

Where exactly is your child completely safe? I recently learned that a student at my dd's high school was charged with a crime against a child. I assumed the student would no longer be allowed at school. I was wrong about that. Now I have to worry that the "perv" is in the same building as my daughter 7 hours a day. It's not like I live in a rough area. It's a reasonably nice, middle class suburb.

The next shocker for me was that the student has been to my home. He is an acquaintance of a relative of my dh's. Last fall we were getting rid of an old patio gazebo and the relative wanted it. He brought this other guy with him to help him load it. He was out in my yard for an hour or so helping. He seemed like a nice, polite young man. I was more than shocked to find out that he apparently isn't so nice. Believe me, I freaked out. I have also spoken to the relative and told him that his acquaintance is not welcome at my house any longer.

Unfortunately, the creeper isn't just out on the street, at the mall or even at WDW.....he's been on my property! I am just relieved that he was never in my home or near either of my kids. However, he still is at school with my dd every day. She has been taught how to deal with creepers, but it still concerns me.

Personally, I think the kid should be removed from school. The scary thing is, I know about it. Are there other kids that I don't know about??? If I moved my dd to a different school, are there pervs there? I don't know. I can't control it. All I reallly can do is teach my kids how to handle themselves and trust their own instincts when they feel uncomfortable.

You'll all have to forgive me for not being too worried about my kids in WDW. I was more concerned when she was in Chicago and NYC. I guess I need to be REAL concerned about who is in my yard!

 

[Hannathy]

And that is why you have to let your children learn to be independent and to make good decisions in as safe a place as possible. No one should ever be unaware of their surroundings.Disney is a great place for teens to begin to do that because if they slip up the chances that something would happen is extremely slim. Much better than in a foreign country, or a big city in college, or even a college campus with all that freedom and hidden dangers, or hell even a city mall, all are more dangerous places than Disney.

You don't overnight wake up and know how to take care of yourself then morning of your 18th birthday.


I often wonder how much freedom Natalie Holloway was given since she broke the first and most sacred rule of being on your own in a strange place, never leave your friends, never go off alone. Kids that have been doing that since early teens know that rule inside out and it is a part of them.

 

[delmar411]

While doing a quick search for arrest statistics, I found this:

Man Accused of Sex Assault at Disney Resort - It involves a 12 yr old girl.

I'm not going to spend a lot of time looking for arrest statistics, because the point is that each search comes up with another incident. It's not a matter of how many, but it's a matter that they do occur. I've already said that I don't believe that it's a great chance that something will happen, just that the chance exists.

And there is a chance of being struck by lightening (much higher chance of this), or run over by a bus, or your hotel room being broken into, or falling and seriously hurting yourself, or...... (fill in the blank). My point is pervs are not one of the reasons someone should be holding their child back from venturing out on their own at WDW and I knew someone would throw it out there, someone always does.

 

[YodaGirl]

And that is why you have to let your children learn to be independent and to make good decisions in as safe a place as possible. No one should ever be unaware of their surroundings.Disney is a great place for teens to begin to do that because if they slip up the chances that something would happen is extremely slim. Much better than in a foreign country, or a big city in college, or even a college campus with all that freedom and hidden dangers, or hell even a city mall, all are more dangerous places than Disney.

You don't overnight wake up and know how to take care of yourself then morning of your 18th birthday.


I often wonder how much freedom Natalie Holloway was given since she broke the first and most sacred rule of being on your own in a strange place, never leave your friends, never go off alone. Kids that have been doing that since early teens know that rule inside out and it is a part of them.

You should definitely teach your child, in baby steps, how to handle freedom and responsibility.

I thought about her earlier in the thread. Since it was brought up, I will say this: At the risk of stereotyping, I would guess would be that she was given lots of freedom. Even the most responsible kids/teens make really dumb choices. She was in a new place, drinking, had her guard down, and probably thought that Joran was a nice guy. Really bad judgment call.

And there is a chance of being struck by lightening (much higher chance of this), or run over by a bus, or your hotel room being broken into, or falling and seriously hurting yourself, or...... (fill in the blank). My point is pervs are not one of the reasons someone should be holding their child back from venturing out on their own at WDW and I knew someone would throw it out there, someone always does.

True, but we all know what to do if those situations occur. We don't golf, play baseball, etc when it's lightening. Despite how small those chances are, we take precautions against it. I was left with the impression that some didn't think that it could happen at Disney, which is most certainly not the case.

 

[matrix1405]

hmmm.... does anyone here get that it is 2011?....we are not in the same world as we were when "we were growing up". So, saying that "we were allowed to" isn't really something that eases my mind. Of course my son is not a teenager yet but I cannot see letting him go off in WDW by himself until 16. Certainly, not in charge of taking care of a younger sibling. Kids are Kids not adults. I know that cell phones allow us to keep in touch but also provide a sense of false security. I don't consider myself as a over-protective parent but someone who is aware of the dangers that are around. WDW is a PUBLIC place they do not perform a background check on those attending the park.

Of course as a parent you have the right to do/raise your kids the way you want to. I consider part of being a parent is protecting your kids and I couldn't live with myself if something happened to my child because I let him go off by himself because "he wanted to".

 

[Hannathy]

hmmm.... does anyone here get that it is 2011?....we are not in the same world as we were when "we were growing up". So, saying that "we were allowed to" isn't really something that eases my mind. Of course my son is not a teenager yet but I cannot see letting him go off in WDW by himself until 16.

Yes you are 100% correct it isn't the world we grew up in it is

SAFER!!!!!! That is right the world is safer now than when I was a kid.

I don't know when that fact is ever going to sink in. The world is not more dangerous there is only more 24 hour news channels!!

If you insist on the 16 then he better not be in any band or orchestras in HS because they go in trips well before 16. My DD was on her own in Italy with her orchestra and she was only 15. and 2 weeks in Chicago at 15.
My sister takes her band to Disney every other year and the freshman are on their own at what 14?

I'm confused though and always wonder about statements like this. You will let him drive a vehicle that can easily kill himself and others and navigate out in the real world on high ways and could go how far if he chose to and you won't let him walk around a theme park that is very safe and family oriented with a friend. never will understand that logic.

 

[YodaGirl]

If you insist on the 16 then he better not be in any band or orchestras in HS because they go in trips well before 16. My DD was on her own in Italy with her orchestra and she was only 15. and 2 weeks in Chicago at 15.
My sister takes her band to Disney every other year and the freshman are on their own at what 14?

Band trips can start before high school, too. I was left on my own in King's Island because the chaperon and the rest of the group opted to ride a coaster. I was 13?

 

[Planogirl]

I'm curious about something. Why does anyone here care how others raise their children? Are you trying to convince others that your way is the right way for some reason?

I think that some here are too strict and some are too lenient but I still just did what I thought was right and didn't worry about what others did. I will only say that a lot depends on the child though. Some kids are very mature and street smart and some not so much.

 

[spacemountainmom]

I care when some overprotective mom drags her 12 year old son into the women's restroom because she is too afraid of the "real world" to let junior stand outside the bathroom for 5 minutes.

I care that I work in a middle school and some kids are so sheltered that they cannot deal with anything on their own.

I care that these poor kids are going to be out in the world some day and have no idea how to function. To beat the dead horse, I will never understand a person who is afraid to allow their child some "free" time in a place such as WDW, yet will allow same child to operate a car. Which is far more dangerous???

The larger question may very well be.....Why do all these posters feel the need to ask parenting questions if they feel they are so right in the first place???

 

[duffy]

I'm curious about something. Why does anyone here care how others raise their children? Are you trying to convince others that your way is the right way for some reason?

Why do I care? Because these sheltered, pampered kids will be out in the real world soon, and I will have to deal with them. They'll be the ones expecting special treatment from everyone, and expecting to be sheltered and pampered by ME.

Am I trying to convince them my way is right for some reason? Of course!! LOL!!

You have over 34,000 posts here, and still aren't familiar with the judging that goes on, here on the Dis??

 

[SV24]

I don't have children but I went twice as a youngster. I went at ages 9 & 12. I don't think it ever occured to my parents to let us roam because we went everywhere together. I don't blame you for wanting the kids close. It's a great bonding experience for the whole family. If I were a mother, I would want the family unit together. Your kids are very lucky to be going to Disney!! However, I think 15 is old enough to wander independently if they are mature. Disney is a very safe place. Try to make the point to your kids about having fun as a family. That way they don't think you have trouble trusting them. Either way, have a great time!!!!