Originally Posted by Quantum2003
It is not my intent to attack your parenting viewpoints. However, many of those other parents may merely be following the law even though such laws are often violated, particularly by parents in poorer neighborhoods. In the states where I have lived as well as many (most?) other states, the legislature has long enacted laws that require 8-year-olds (sometimes older) be within sight at all times.

Yes in certain places I have seen signs saying children under a certain age (and I think it is usually like 12?) much be "accompanied by an adult" or "supervised by an adult." I have seen similar restroom signs in various places.