Every kid is different. I was given free roam of my neighborhood when I was 7. It worked out okay for me. Other kids maybe not. I was also allowed to live on my own for a whole summer when I was 14. It worked out okay for me, but only because I was lucky enough to not have to suffer any of the more severe consequences associated with the various activities I engaged in that summer.
The important thing is to find a balance between your child's well being and their need to do stupid, risky shit, regardless of the combination of overprotection and negligence required.
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