Letting 15 year old Son travel to Europe by rail

Imagine the controversy if social services didn't at least check, and then the unthinkable happened.
It takes a village, and all that.

I think its a case by case matter, depends on the youngsters involved, and how well planned and so on, tho as others have said, to post it on SM is as others have said certainly beyond my comprehension. I really dislike this shock/horror journalism, it isn't making the world a better place.

Ah, that explains a lot. 🤭

MissAdventure - this is probably why I have no problem with it... I have been known to tie-dye knickers in the past - admittedly years ago!

I travelled alone at 16 and so did many of our generation, but the world has changed.

We were, after all, far more grown up at 16 than today's teenagers.

Frankly, I don't think an 18 year old can exert much influence over a 16 year old, although I see the point of the 18 year old being legally an adult.

I think parents need to evaluate when their children are old enough to be trusted on their own, whether travelling from one end of their own country to the other, or abroad.

It was reported by someone
apparently, Boz - not "picked up on".

Anything posted on social media is likely to bite you in the bum, as it seems Kirstie has found out.

She won't be the first, or the last, to be questioned by social services, though she is probably the only one who tie dyes knickers.

Another media storm over a 'celeb.' I am sure this happens a lot with or without parental permission. Remember those two girls who left the country a while ago? Did they have permission?
I'd like to know what the law really is on these matters?

But it’s very different flying to visit a family to wandering around Europe maybe staying in hostels etc Cold I see nothing wrong in a 15 year old flying to visit a family hopefully being met at the other end
Again 15/16 in student accommodation is only a step above boarding and I m sure that’s safe too this is a totally different situation

I think as Cold has said, other European countries are much more relaxed about young people traveling alone.

We have German friends and their 16 year old son, a Scout, planned a trip to Ireland bringing 5 younger Scouts 13-15 year olds. We were astonished that the parents of the younger ones allowed their sons to go abroad with such a young leader but were assured he was very responsible. They were hiking around Ireland for 2 weeks, "wild" camping. No definite itinerary. They had 1 mobile phone but often no means of charging so kept it mostly switched off! Living in Ireland, we offered to meet up with them part way through their trip. They were all fine, but I still think it wasn't a great idea.

Because of her class and education KA is very sure of herself; doesn't care to be challenged and arrogant to post it on X - from where SS found it.
I must concede I do not like the woman. Being told to 'Make do and Mend' by a rich aristo, did it for me.

It is the speed with which this investigation was carried out that is astonishing.

"A child can travel alone with a consent form Astitchintine"
Presumably, he had all the necessary papers and was allowed. to travel........what is all the fuss about? Maybe someone has the knives out for KA??

It's interesting that where I live (Sweden) it is considered perfectly OK for kids to live by themselves at age 15/16 in self-catering student accommodation, hundreds of miles from home to attend 6the form college. There were several in each of my DDs classes.

My own kids flew abroad without us to visit family when they were 14 and 16 - the only condition was that one passenger had t be over 16.

I just think it's hilarious that KA is so outraged. It wasn't sensible for a 15 year old to be travelling about Europe these days. She's just so sure she knows best about everything that it's good for her to be reminded!

Yes, I stand corrected, it isn't illegal, with safeguards in place, so online info says.

That seems to be a letter from the parent.

That's what social services were checking.

I don’t think 15 is an appropriate age to go on holiday without an adult all sorts of nonsense can happen when two boys however ‘good’ are let loose, neither do I think it’s wrapping them up in cotton wool sallywally I also don’t think you can say well it can happen here, of course it can, but at least the parents are on hand nearby to sort a bad happening out not a plane ride away
I bet Jay Slaters mum wishes he hadn’t gone away and he was older
I m sorry but how ever clued up a boy of 15 is they are still a kid And boys seem kids longer than girls to be honest
It’s underage

A child can travel alone with a consent form Astitchintine

Just googled this astitchintime
www.google.com/amp/s/europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/travel-documents-minors/indexamp_en.htm

Astitchintime

I am puzzled. as to how. he. actually got out of the UK - surely his documents have to checked on embarkation??

He would probably have had a letter of consent from parents. I think that is enough.

I can't see anything about it being illegal MissAdventure - are you thinking it's "neglet" maybe?

I'd be genuiny interested to know as I can't find what law it could be breaking (not a solicitor/lawer though).

I am puzzled. as to how. he. actually got out of the UK - surely his documents have to checked on embarkation??

I think it’s fine, and I’m sure he had a great time with his friend. They can’t be wrapt in cotton wool and bad things happen in the UK too. My son was mugged three times when a teenager. Aged 18 he went for the first time on his own to Spain to a festival and was completely safe.

It's illegal.

I think it depends very much on the teenager . Parents know their children fairly well and many 15/ 16 year olds would not be sufficiently mature to deal with all situations. On the other hand others are more capable. Parents decision - don't think our son would have been confident enough to do that . He has grown into a very confident and capable man !

Jaxjacky

Well done to her, valuable lessons learnt by him, far more danger online in my opinion. Out of order for someone to report it, I bet SS moved quickly to act as KA is ‘famous’, their time would’ve been better spent elsewhere.

Maybe far more danger in London where they live.