That’s a tricky one. I would let my daughter go out with her friends but would also be driving her there and back. Not sure on this one but interested to see what others think?

This is a hard one and really does depend upon your child and the other children. Ultimately do what makes you comfortable.

I would be edgey too. You can’t be too careful with your kids. If there’s a group of them catching the bus, they should be fine, safety in numbers etc. And they already hang around in town by themselves. Probably more likely bad things to happen to them in town then on the bus. You can put her on the bus and collect her off the bus for peace of mind

This is a tricky one isn’t it? We live in a rural area and so were ‘forced’ to let our year 7 daughter get the bus to school and back. It is a school bus though. Even with her travelling by herself (with other students) everyday, I’m not sure I would be okay if it was just public transport. Having said that if she was in a group with friends I would probably relent. Especially if she is feeling confident with that. Has she got a mobile phone? She could call you/text when she arrives somewhere to put your mind more at ease perhaps. Good luck

I know what you mean as I’ve always been cautious in areas that are isolated and always tell them never travel alone , but in some circumstances it maybe hard esp if a parent may not have a car etc.. . I ususally feel more safer when there are people around and kids are in groups. Maybe travel with her alone first to see what you local bus is like and then get the feel of the routes. Also its great she travels in a group as it is much more reassuring and they go back home together .

My daughter has just finished year 8 and she’s taking bus and train alone to go to school and come back. But it was a long process. When she started high school in Year 7 I used to go with her to the city and wait for her till school was finished. (We live very far from the centre). I did this 3 times a week for 9 months!!! The other 2 days my husband used to work in the city centre so they went together and came back together. When I saw she was feeling more comfortable, I let her take the train alone (she was walking to the station with her group of friends who then take the train in the opposite direction) and I waited for her at the station. After 2 terms (last term year 7 and first term year 8) I trusted her to take the bus alone and I just go and wait for her at the bus stop with my dog.
It’s not easy to let our kids go. Don’t put any pressure. You both have to feel good about such a big change. In my case it was my daughter asking for me to go with her. The fact that your child is asking to go with her friends, is positive.