Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 10:02     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
It depends on the kid at that age but I think NYC is a very safe and easy place to navigate.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 09:59     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
Anonymous wrote:What is he never crossed busy streets before


Wait, are you OP? If so, ignore all the positive posters above. If this is your question, your son cannot be left unsupervised in a big city. It isn't safe.

My daughter, raised in DC, and her cousin, raised in NYC, started exploring both cities, together but without adults, around 12 or so. But like I said... they grew up in cities and have the lived experience to get around safely.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 09:46     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
What is he never crossed busy streets before
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 09:44     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
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


NYC is a numbered grid and much easier to navigate than other cities. It’s busier and safer than many areas of DC in my opinion.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 09:41     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
That area is safe and if your son feels comfortable he should be totally fine. I have two kids that age and one would be totally fine to do this, the other would be uncomfortable alone but would go with his brother.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 08:23     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
^ New Yorker
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 08:23     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
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
Post 09/19/2025 08:22     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
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
Post 09/19/2025 08:16     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
If he’s not street smart then no he’s too young
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 08:09     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
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
Post 09/19/2025 07:31     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
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
Post 09/19/2025 07:29     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
It's safe, but I'd just make sure he has a general plan/destination.
Anonymous
Post 09/19/2025 07:28     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
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
Post 09/19/2025 07:05     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
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
Post 09/19/2025 06:39     Subject: 14yo boy in NYC
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!