Cautious parents waiting longer before letting children roam free

Children go to the local shop on their own 19 months older than their grandparents did, and travelling on public transport alone is delayed by almost two and a half years, according to a new study.

Research by the Co-operative Food found that youngsters can expect to run errands for groceries aged nine years and four months, while their grandmothers and grandfathers were visiting stores aged seven years and nine months.

The older generation were riding on trains and buses alone at the age of 10 years and two months, almost two and a half years younger than today’s youngsters.

The study also found that young people today learn to ride a bike a year earlier than their grandparents, at just over six.

Co-operative Food spokeswoman Freda Cronk said: “Youngsters today may have more toys and equipment than their grandparents but they have to wait until they are older to experience the same levels of independence.”

The report was based on a survey of 1,000 parents about their children, and 1,000 grandparents.