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Man that meme really went wild huh Yes, CPS in one state did something ambiguous and alarming to self-proclaimed "free range" parents. No, you probably don't

Man that meme really went wild huh Yes, CPS in one state did something ambiguous and alarming to self-proclaimed "free range" parents. No, you probably don't have the full story that a guy who had never seen the children before was concerned about their safety in that part of town, he decided to call 911 instead of talking to the kids and coming off as a creep. Yes, that one town's police department did get the CPS' attention, and the CPS did an investigation and found something arbitrary which is rightfully concerning. No, this isn't indicative of the entire US culture or widespread neighborly paranoia about children walking unattended.

Larrikin 9y ago
It sick in its own right that society has demonized talking to any children that aren't your own or in your care. Police should not have been called in that situation and just asking if the kids are ok or lost should not be viewed as a creepy action.
- taeric 9y ago
  I'm torn. I fully agree with you. I also think quickly calling the cops to check on them as you go do something else shouldn't be that big of a deal. Because, to my mind, police should be part of the community. Ideally, not strangers in uniform. No, I don't think that is the case most (any?) place. :( I'm also afraid to look at the statistics, as I fear I'll see that this is another slant in class/race standings. :(
  - pbhjpbhj 9y ago
    Indeed, if you do call the cops they should be able to send someone to speak to the children to check they're OK, make sure they've not absconded or something, rather than making an incident out of it.
khedoros1 9y ago
It's extremely unusual to see unescorted children where I live, below early teens or so. It wouldn't surprise me in the least to hear about someone calling the police after seeing a child outside on their own; that's just the current culture. I live in a small gated community, in among other ungated neighborhoods. I see kids playing around my neighborhood, but never leaving it on their own. I hear grumbling from some of my neighbors even about that.

Larrikin 9y ago

It sick in its own right that society has demonized talking to any children that aren't your own or in your care. Police should not have been called in that situation and just asking if the kids are ok or lost should not be viewed as a creepy action.

taeric 9y ago
I'm torn. I fully agree with you. I also think quickly calling the cops to check on them as you go do something else shouldn't be that big of a deal. Because, to my mind, police should be part of the community. Ideally, not strangers in uniform. No, I don't think that is the case most (any?) place. :( I'm also afraid to look at the statistics, as I fear I'll see that this is another slant in class/race standings. :(
- pbhjpbhj 9y ago
  Indeed, if you do call the cops they should be able to send someone to speak to the children to check they're OK, make sure they've not absconded or something, rather than making an incident out of it.

khedoros1 9y ago

It's extremely unusual to see unescorted children where I live, below early teens or so. It wouldn't surprise me in the least to hear about someone calling the police after seeing a child outside on their own; that's just the current culture. I live in a small gated community, in among other ungated neighborhoods. I see kids playing around my neighborhood, but never leaving it on their own. I hear grumbling from some of my neighbors even about that.