14yo boy in NYC

[Anonymous]

Our first time to NYC and staying in Westin hotel near Tudor city,Murray hill. Our 14 yo son is with us and wondering if it’s safe for him to head out and walk around a bit during the day by himself . It feels pretty safe walking around lastnight but unfamiliar with big cities. Any thoughts appreciated!

[Anonymous]

I grew up in Manhattan, taking public transportation by myself to and from school starting at age 10, so yes. Just make sure he has a phone and a decent sense of direction. Fortunately, the streets are number consecutively in that part of town so it’s hard to get lost.

[Anonymous]

No. It would be different if he grew up in NYC. He isn’t familiar with the area, where to go, what areas are/aren’t safe and he would be an easy target

[Anonymous]

It's safe, but I'd just make sure he has a general plan/destination.

[Anonymous]

You know your kid. We were at a hotel in that neighborhood and our 14 year old walked to get food and wander a bit. He had a phone, could get around and felt confident.

I'm all for it.

[Anonymous]

There are a few ballet schools where 14 year olds from all over the US and other countries move into a dorm largely unsupervised. Teens a few years older move in for college with no supervision. It’s normal.

[Anonymous]

If he’s not street smart then no he’s too young

[Anonymous]

Yes, definitely fine. He has a phone, right?

Murray hill is an extremely safe, as is all areas he could possibly get to. Maybe he’ll take a wrong turn and end up at the… UN? Lolz.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. It would be different if he grew up in NYC. He isn’t familiar with the area, where to go, what areas are/aren’t safe and he would be an easy target

There are literally no areas that are ‘unsafe’ that he could possibly end up in walking around

[Anonymous]

^ New Yorker