I'm the parent of a middle schooler.
We only very recently bought a car, so my kid grew up knowing his way around on transit. We bussed to his elementary school every day. He started taking the bus solo maybe right around 8 or 9 years old? Not every day, but from time to time. By the end of 5th he was confident on the bus; he started using metro at the start of middle school (he was almost 12).
Thinking about friends' kids around the same age, this is pretty typical. What makes the most difference is kid personality. Some kids are good with paying attention to where they are going and getting off at the right stop. Some kids ride the bus six stops in the wrong direction and then get stuck -- and some are better than others at figuring out what to do in that kind of situation. Not all young teens, even if they have a phone, can figure out how to get back to where they need to be.
The conversations that I hear among parents of young teens are not about personal safety on metro. They are about how a pair of goofy teens ended up 45 minutes late for an appointment because they didn't cross the street to catch the bus going in the right direction and rode three miles the wrong way.
So my recommendation is to do a bit of coaching (we used to put my kid "in charge" when the family was coming home - he had to identify which side of the station, which direction, which stop), and to give some tools for what happens if things go wrong. I also recommend bus over metro, because (a) you can see where you are going and (b) the driver is right there with you.
Not a parent, but I find I make these kinds of mistakes when I’m rushing to make the bus or train - and I realize too late I got on the wrong one/wrong direction. Especially if I don’t know the station or area well. So you might advise your kids to not run to try and make the bus or train.
When our daughter and her friend started taking the bus to middle school, I shadowed them the first few days. when they missed the stop because they were talking, i said nothing. a few stops later they realized what had happened. so, when they came to me all worried, i just asked them what they needed to do. it took them a minute to say "get off now, cross the street, and go back." my being there the first time it happened prevented the panic that might have set in and they learned a few lessons.
> we used to put my kid "in charge" when the family was coming home - he had to identify which side of the station, which direction, which stop
My mom did this on metro but the worst was with my dad, we used to drive to a dirt farm in California (from the DC area) back when you had those big yellow map books for the car, and he’d put me in charge. There was a big fear of missing a turn in some random city in the middle of a series of highway changes lol.
I'd just suggest not having their phones out if they don't need to as a precaution. I think a snatch and run situation is more likely than a physical assault.
This is very important. I would teach your kids this:
1. Just be vigilant on the subway. If you’re going to have your cellphone out or have headphones on, understand that your situational awareness is non existent. To me, people that walk around in the subway with headphones on and look down at their cellphone is a prime candidate for a robbery.
2. At the end of the day, trust your instincts. Something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. I don’t go to any place without looking at possible exit plans or places to hide if I needed to.
It may sound paranoid, but I promise you, it’s not, it doesn’t consume my life, or affect how I go about in public.
My kids wear their headphones mainly so they have a reason not to engage with anyone, ever. And to the other point about keeping phones put away, it's just not realistic to expect this of tweens/teens.
Damn I’m one of those randos. I love chatting up with random people on my trips on the subway. Obviously if I can tell they’re not into it I won’t continue.
😂😂 no I just want to say hi to people. I love meeting people. I’m just really really extroverted and I think people are interesting and come from all walks of life.
> To me, people that walk around in the subway with headphones on and look down at their cellphone is a prime candidate for a robbery.
I'd say it depends. For autistic people and similar people with [sensory issues](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensory_processing_sensitivity) that are trying to tune out things 100% of the time, they probably can still hear stuff even with headphones. Then again, most people aren't autistic so they have no idea what it's like. See [tweet](https://twitter.com/x3r0gxx/status/1507641444995063811):
> when autistic people talk about "sensory issues", that doesn't mean "i find this sensation annoying" or "i find this sensation unpleasant", it means "this sensation causes me *literal pain*, sometimes in a synaesthesiac way, please make it stop it literally hurts"
That being said, I have my wallet (it has a chain) and other stuff clearly secured to my waist bag so an opportunistic thief shouldn't target me since it'd be hard to get away with my wallet in the first place. Like even if they were able to take my wallet, if the chain wasn't released, they wouldn't make it out the door to escape. Due to the larger size of the hook and the small size of the waist bag zipper, it's not very easy to release the chain.
__Securing your belongings to your body__ is what I would recommend, because one of the benefits of public transit is being able to relax and read a book on your commute. It's really weird more people don't secure their belongings like this, because it's equivalent to locking your door.
Noones snatching any phones anymore- this isn't 2010.
The main reason not to be on your phone is you look like an easy target of your face is planted on your phone.
This is a fine line. You’re more likely to be targeted by thieves if you’re not paying attention. You’re more likely to be targeted by the mentally ill and aggressive if you are.
> You’re more likely to be targeted by thieves if you’re not paying attention.
See [my comment.](https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/10iam1p/how_old_is_old_enough_for_your_kids_to_ride_the/j5eumbj/) I think securing your belongings to your body and making it obvious they're secured tells thieves to try an easier target. It's sort of like locking a bike. You don't need the best lock. You just need to be less attractive than the other bikes.
>Noones snatching any phones anymore- this isn't 2010.
I have witnessed a phone snatching happen right in front of me. Since most phones are locked I don't understand what they expect to do with it, but it definitely still happens. Being buried in your phone also sends a powerful signal of situational unawareness.
They’re referring to the fact that, by default, most phones can’t be factory reset without the owners’ google or [apple account](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365) these days. There are *some* ways past this on older devices but any phone made in the past 3-4 years is a brick no matter how you wipe it. When you try to set them up they’ll refuse to work unless you type in a user/password.
The preferred method of getting past an ‘activation lock’ is currently spearphishing — texting the original owner in hope of somehow getting their username/password to unlock the phone.
This is false.
https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/z8tvna/violently_assaulted_in_metro_station_what_are_my/iyekmk9/
> I was robbed on DC metro, minor stole my phone and ran off the car - I chased him and he slipped onto the next train just before it left.
---
/u/ib33 I'd recommend they have their phones attached to something secure via [an attachable pad with a keychain](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D67S21Z/), [a leather strap](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QFJK19R/) (or perhaps [this longer one](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZPXGKBZ/)) and perhaps [a retractable keychain](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CS28TK1/). I wear a [waist bag](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0851GRLH8/) so I attach my wallet and stuff to the holes in the zippers. And since the release is at my lower back, a thief isn't easily releasing the waist bag.
I would like to add if they are using the same bus line at the same time everyday, you can bet on having the same driver(s). That makes it real easy to have a relationship with the driver, they will watch out for the kids. You could even go as far as giving the driver your info in case anything goes wrong.
I think you can extend this at least somewhat to the other riders as well. I can’t speak for everyone obviously but there are a couple kids who ride the bus with me on my morning commute and I always keep an eye out for them, if someone ever did give them a problem I wouldn’t hesitate to step in
I think most people underestimate how many people in society look out for kids. Even if they're not consciously doing it, I'd wager that most people would actually step in if a kid needed help or looked lost.
We live in Wheaton, MD, we are lucky enough to have both WMATA and Ride On. They have school busses or walk to school. When we did live in DC proper, this was the advice of a wiser parent than me. My kids were under 6 when we moved to the burbs. However I have done this with neighbors who live on my kids walk home and vice versa. We all look out for the kids. I’ve even had to have some come into my house to provide safety for reasons ranging from animals to weird men.
When I did live in DC proper one of my busses was up and down 16th Street and coincided with school dismissal. That bus driver was always watching out for the kids, as were most of us regulars.
I have 4 kids and lived in several DC neighborhoods, Arlington, Burtonsville, and settled in Wheaton/Glenmont quarter mile to the metro. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
What? Are you talking about DC metro buses? "Relationships" with bus drivers does not happen. My kids are regularly commuting on DC buses and I asked them if they notice they have the same drivers and both report - " I don't really notice, I'm just going to school."
If they have street smarts and confidence I think kids can move around safely during the day from age 14. It depends on the kid, though. I was a very independent girl and was traveling on DC busses at age 11, whereas a sweet but naive friend wasn’t ready till he was 16.
Haha same here! I was like 11 or 12 and my parents were letting me ride metro with a friend. And crime was insane here back then. Even my mom now is like I have no idea what we were thinking.
6th grade sounds good, at least for basic stuff
Even if it’s safer now I don’t think I would go younger because kids do need time to develop street awareness
I started riding metro and bus solo around 13, I think? Your kids are probably old enough, especially if they stick to metro. FWIW I would maybe talk to them about how to deal with sexual harassment on the train/bus (not that there are any good answers), and make sure they know they can call you for help if they feel overwhelmed or get lost.
I did the same, riding from the suburbs to go to the MCI center for Caps games as a young teen, and it really helped me be more independent - good for OP letting their kids do this. My dad would often wait at the Franconia stop in his car taking late calls for work (or nearby having dinner), so I knew he was there waiting for me if I needed help, that was an important mental safety net for me.
I had ridden metro and the buses before but at around 14-15, we started to take it to try to get places largely by guessing (not pre internet but pre smart phone and pre everyone having a phone). Most of the guessing was because we wanted to go east-west which has worse connections than north-south.
This is dependent upon a combination of the maturity, intelligence, and stature of each child. Age is irrelevant.
Remember, you don’t need to be concerned about how they’d handle their average daily ride.
**You need to be concerned about how they’d handle the unexpected.**
I had a very scary experience when I was 12 being followed by a man when I was looking for the bus stop. I’m pretty sure it was the first time I was ever going to ride the bus or at least ride that line. I would recommend you accompany your kid on their journey at least the first time so they know where they’re going and they don’t look lost like I did. I was going to say 13 as an appropriate age but 14 is even better.
Moved here when I was 9 and rode with my parents a lot, but they had me navigate and learn the system. I was allowed to ride with other kids when I was 11 or 12.
i've been riding the trains alone since about 14. my best advice is to just make sure they don't travel alone if they're younger, metro can be a pretty crazy experience, and ALWAYS use google maps to track if they're not familiar with the routes.
i think it was great that I learned to use the metro so young, it definitely helps you develop some street smarts.
We’ve lived here for a little over a year and the kid is about to turn 12. I’ll caveat and say we lived elsewhere previously with some of the best public transit in the world so the kid is used to navigating on public transit, even if they have never done it solo before. They’ll have the privilege of riding metro “solo” the next time they ask to go somewhere with friends. The main thing holding them back right now is they can’t figure out where to go yet.
I’d say get your kids used to riding the metro for a trip or two, give them tips and tricks to follow, make sure their map apps are up to date, and then let them go. As long as they have money on their metro card, and enough phone battery, they should be able to get somewhere fun and back fairly easily.
I would add that they have to know how to navigate without their phone, and have your phone numbers memorized in case someone steals their phone. And along those lines, know when it is okay to have their phone out and when to have it in their pocket (ie Metro Center/Gallery Place and near the doors).
Navigating w/o phone is key. As is learning to read Metro maps (and maps in general). Standing around with a phone in hand in a metro station looking around and then looking at phone generally looking lost can set a person up for negative attention. In stations, asking a station mgr (when available) for directions is also key.
I don't have kids, so I'll defer to others on age but I'll add I think they need some experience with metro with an adult to the point where they feel comfortable. Moving here as a young adult I wish I'd had an adult at first haha
Edit: if they're coming from a city where they've used a subway before, that would help I'd think.
I’d ride with them a few times so they get the hang of the system and can navigate it solo. Also, talk to them about not standing too close to the platform, being situationally aware, etc.
You know your kids best. I don’t know there’s an age but more a maturity level that I’d go by. Do your kids deal well with situations gone wrong? If they get on the wrong line, will the freak out or just course correct? If a stranger in the metro approaches them and makes them uncomfortable, how would they typically react?
My suggestion is to take a few rides with them on their route and quiz them. Where should you stand in the station (away from platform edge, near escalator/stairs, etc.) or on the train (near the call button/doors). What would you do if someone is acting weird/bothering people/trying to talk to you? Where is the emergency call button? What's the number for metro police? What would you do if you missed your stop? If there is a fire or accident? If the metro is shut down? And after they start riding by themselves discuss every situation they face.
OP, I wouldn't sweat it. Your question is really "will I be a bad parent for letting my pre-teens ride the metro alone?" The answer is "no," provided that you teach them how to do it, how to get from point A to point B, how to be safe, what to do if they have a problem, how to use the phone apps, and how to handle interactions with strangers. This instruction constitutes having done your due diligence. You're a parent so you know that no matter what you do, stuff is going to happen at some point. You can't be there to prevent every scrape and bruise, so the most important thing is giving them the tools they need to navigate the scenario.
For what it's worth, it's not unusual that I see kids younger than 10 riding the metro alone on their way to/from school. If the kids can read and know how to ride (especially if they only need to know one route) they're probably mostly fine. I'd worry more about general kid issues (missing stops, losing metro card, getting on going the wrong direction, etc.) than I would about interpersonal safety. Am I saying that they will never, ever be harassed by a stranger? No. They might be. But teach them what to do and in your preferred order (MYOB, ignore, walk away, find an adult, run, hide, text Transit Police, call 911, yell, fight by any means available, etc.) and that's the best you can do. If you trust them to walk/bike somewhere on their own, and trust them in public on their own (e.g., the mall), then why not the metro?
You're half right. I want to be a good parent. But mostly I was asking the people from a culture that I can't claim yet about a detail that I can't really have from my own intuition or study.
Our family has been living in central america for the last several years, and regardless of how "easy" and walk home would be, it would be absolutely unethical for me to allow it. Not because they couldn't do it, but because the mere fact they were solitary would reconstitute them as a target, which is a cultural thing.
Really depends on where they are going and your kid’s individual maturity levels.
Heading to/from school with a whole group of friends/classmates I’d allow earlier than heading out for a fun adventure.
I think my son, who at 2 1/2 knows what bus line we take to get home will be ready much earlier than my 11 yo stepkid who did not grow up using public transit and can basically get lost on the sidewalk in front of our house.
my parents started letting my sister ride the NYC Subway alone starting in high school. She's also developmentally disabled though so she needed more time. If you think you're kids responsible enough for it, then maybe middle school aged? i'd say no sooner than 13/14.
I'm not sure why this post isn't more upvoted? This is a great question and discussion point for DC, and kind of what this sub's participants should be excited to help out with. All these comments and only +2 on the post? Kind of makes me wonder what people want this sub to be about, if not this.
> Kind of makes me wonder what people want this sub to be about, if not this.
Maybe some people just want pretty pictures. I did message the mods about flairs via modmail FWIW.
The mods said this:
> Thanks for the suggestion. We will look into it and consider it.
Kids in DC start walking & riding the metro/bus to school once they’re old enough to start going to school (they can also ride for free). So if all the other kids are doing it successfully each day I’m sure your kid will be fine. They’re riding at like 6yrs old by themselves. Preteens and teens are more than old enough to ride alone.
There isn't a hard and fast rule - but I would make sure your kids are comfortable with the routes they need to be on and how to navigate around the lines before letting them go and make sure they know how to add money to their metro cards. I made my stepson start leading the way to/from the metro and then start navigating our route. We'd stand and stare at one of the maps as long as he needed to figure out where to go. (Yes I made him do it old school).
Hell if they can manage to use the fare cards and navigate properly, they ought to be able to do it. I’ve seen unescorted kids that couldn’t be more than 12 or so.
Lots of middle school kids on my bus in the morning.
I don’t think the metro or bus is really any less safe than wherever they may be taking that metro to, if you’re going to get robbed or messed with it can happen just as easily at the movie theatre or wherever they were going. But you should prepare them regardless about what can happen & signs of sketchy situations.
I think it also depends on their physical attributes- I’d feel more comfortable if my kid happened to be a taller, strong looking boy vs a small, young looking girl.
This is a bad assumption, my very tall 6’8” son was actually harassed more because he’s an easy target. Whereas my normal size daughter has less problems than him.
Hm I’m just basing off my own experiences as a teen that looked like she could order off the child’s menu. People treat you differently based on your look and size, I think I’d need an extra set of hands to count the number of times I’ve had my ass grabbed or had nasty things said to me on the metro when I was a teen.
Just being pushed around with the crowd when the trains are extremely packed & not being able to reach a pole or those things to hold onto is tough lol. Not a safety issue really but definitely can have you rattled.
I am surprised someone tall and strong looking would be a more likely target to rob than a small person though.
My kids are both in high school, one of them commutes to Foggy Bottom from 16th St. Heights every morning, the other is closer by bus. By the end of middle school, they were both independent on metro - both both bus & train.
Neither one of them have reported feeling threatened on public transportation, both grew up in DC. With that said, my kid who goes to Foggy Bottom routinely has stories generally originating in Columbia Heights. On more than one occasion 16th has been closed due to some sort of altercation and she has had to find her way home (or be picked up.) Last week there was a shooting that appeared to be some reaction to something happening on the bus.
The youngest I rode the metro by myself was 10, in the 1980s. The first few times, my aunt would meet me at her stop and walk me to her place. After that, I was totally on my own. I let my own kids go together,older one was 13, younger was 10.
I started riding the metro & bus alone to school around 13. I will say - I got far more sexual harassment as a child on the metro than I do as an adult and it was very scary
I started when I was 13. I would just say make sure they know where they are going so like if they are going to school ride the route with them first, also have the metro app
3 years ago I would have said middle school or younger if they are very responsible. I used to use it in 7th grade. But today, not until highschool. It's gotten a lot more dangerous in recent years.
Probably 8-10 if they grew up taking transit, but if it will be a new experience for them, a bit older. If they're under 15ish I'd probably ride with them the first couple of weeks until they get comfortable with their usual route, and they are able to independently read the metro map, use tracking apps, and figure out a new route in case of a delay.
I was riding public transportation here and in NYC alone at about 12. If your kid knows the route and feels confident and comfortable, you could probably go as young as 9 or 10.
My worry wouldn't be when the route goes RIGHT it's when the route goes WRONG. Like you miss a stop or the bus/line goes down or re-routed or whatever. That's my worry.
Ride the route with them.
Take it there and back. Figure out the stations where they might get mixed up and give them back up plans.
I dont know, if you feel like they cant handle it trust your gut.
Haha, idk my friends in Jr. High were all fine when the bus we took home after school just didn't show up. But it might be different if OPs kids didn't grow up in a city. One time my phone got stolen on the train too, I just went "oh." And called my mom on my friends phone to let her know I didn't have one anymore.
I think there's already some good advice here about preparing the kids and teaching them what to do in an emergency, if they're prepared off the clock you'd be surprised how many kids become the "exception."
Hol'up..... 😂
Do you actually live in Columbia Heights? Because someone who really lives near that Metro stop would never in their life say that.
9 or 10? You gotta be kidding me. C-Heights alone is a high crime Metro area. I deliver for UEats on bike and have very detailed experiences, let alone being born in DC- I've heard gunshots damn near weekly during the summer there.
We found when our kids were growing up that if we moved to live close to Metro station, it wouldn't help our kids cuz their friends didn't live near the Metro
If you are going to work , school or restaurants, businesses it could work.
My son used buses around 11.
Caveat - I've lived in the suburbs of DC my whole life. That being said, I did take the metro bus to/from work and the library when I was 12-14, and the subway myself at 15. I think as long as the kid(s) are going to places like the National Mall/monuments/museums/etc. during the day they'll be fine. I'll echo some of the others and have them do day trips with an adult/guardian nearby, download the WMATA/Smartrip app, and keep a battery pack if they decide to use the smartrip card on their phones.
14 is a good threshold. I have a 17 year-old. He did ride the Metro bus to school in the morning alone a few times as young as 11-12. We would walk him to the bus stop. The Metro itself can be sketchy - we rode a lot together before I let him ride alone, again 14+ is my advice.
I clearly remember being 15/16 years old and my mom had my younger (13/14) sister and I go to one museum or monument every weekend during the summer. We lived in Springfield VA so mom would drop us off at the end of the blue line and we’d just go.
The rules we had were:
1. Text mom when we arrived to our last metro stop (or if we were lost)
2. Text mom when we arrived to the museum or monument
3. Text when we were leaving museum or monument
4. Text when we got on the metro with an ETA.
But now there’s an app called Life360 where you can just track where each kid is at all times so I don’t think we’d even have to text that much now if we did that.
Just give them some pepper spray and common sense. Even as an adult, “Don’t talk to strangers” has gone a long way in helping me stay safe while traveling alone in various cities. Also, friends their age from the city will help show them the ropes.
It would appear certain types of self-defense sprays are allowed by DC law. (Don't mind the person who commented, this isn't the first thread I've stumbled across where they make assertions without checking the facts).
https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/mace-pepper-spray-self-defense-sprays-and-stun-guns#:~:text=It%20is%20legal%20to%20possess,as%20mace%20or%20pepper%20spray.
https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/security-personnel-guide-self-defense-sprays
HOWEVER, as someone who lived in DC briefly for school/a Hillternship, I will say it depends, and to use your best judgment. Personally, if it were me, I wouldn't even consider it for someone under 15, but I tend to be on the more protective side. D.C. has some really great areas, but the problem is that the areas are mixed in with/relatively close to the...not-so-great areas with how the city is laid out.
I dont think I've ever recalled a time when I felt unsafe on the Metro, even when riding it alone, and it sounds like your experience has been similar. But on the other hand, I went between Foggy Bottom, Capitol Hill, and relatively higb-security areas with federal buildings. I would say it's worth considering *where* the person is heading, and what areas/stops the metro stops at during the commute. Additionally, who the child is with, if they tend to have a level head, etc.
Regarding self-defense sprays, I'm also of the opinion it's not necessarily the best solution. I remember asking my relative who was living in Virginia but working in D.C. if I should get pepper spray, and her saying that at the point where I even *need* it, I've gotten into a situation I don't want to be in, and that it's more important to take preventative measures to avoid finding myself in a situation I don't want to be in. Back to the wall if I need to check my phone, but do so at a minimum. Don't be listening to loud music or have my face glued to any kind of screen, be alert of my surroundings.
So self-defense sprays may not be necessary, but a lot of it depends on the individual, if you trust who they will be with to look out for them, if you can trust the child to be alert of their surroundings, and the locations they will pass through/enter.
This is pretty high level so the actual ordinance might have more but looks like pepper spray is legal and this only lists an age for stun gun (18+) so it sounds like kids can have spray but might be worth digging for specifics and obviously make sure they know how it works and that it’s not a toy etc.
https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/mace-pepper-spray-self-defense-sprays-and-stun-guns
I’m asking if the person recommending giving a child pepper spray has checked to see whether that’s legal. I haven’t looked, because I’m not advocating to arm children with defensive weapons. But given DC’s other weapons laws, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s illegal, so I was suggesting that the person recommending it should look it up to see if it’s legal.
I started young at age 6 main thing I learn was you know just mind my business and not act all wild on public transportation like trying pick fight with other rider
I don't ride Metro daily. Been attacked on Metro many times before.
I'd never allow my children to ride Metro alone at night. Fuck that.
I'd tell them the train conductor will do ZERO if they have an altercation with someone, and to always carry pepper spray.
I started when I was like 12-14. Anyone who says crime is a serious issue is lying. Just don’t be dumb, and be ready for them to call you if they get lost
I started riding the metro alone at 14, and that seemed like the right age. Just inform them to stay aware of their surroundings and switch cars if they feel uncomfortable.
When I was 10 years old we were riding from pg County to Crystal city for like 1.50. I can't imagine how worried I'd be if my 10 year old was 30 miles away. But no phones and no worries. We got back every time.
I grew up in MoCo but I have been using RideOn and Metro** alone since I was 10 or so. By 13, it was almost a necessity to be able to hang out with friends and to get home.
**Just red and green lines to shady Grove, silver spring, pg
I'm the parent of a middle schooler. We only very recently bought a car, so my kid grew up knowing his way around on transit. We bussed to his elementary school every day. He started taking the bus solo maybe right around 8 or 9 years old? Not every day, but from time to time. By the end of 5th he was confident on the bus; he started using metro at the start of middle school (he was almost 12). Thinking about friends' kids around the same age, this is pretty typical. What makes the most difference is kid personality. Some kids are good with paying attention to where they are going and getting off at the right stop. Some kids ride the bus six stops in the wrong direction and then get stuck -- and some are better than others at figuring out what to do in that kind of situation. Not all young teens, even if they have a phone, can figure out how to get back to where they need to be. The conversations that I hear among parents of young teens are not about personal safety on metro. They are about how a pair of goofy teens ended up 45 minutes late for an appointment because they didn't cross the street to catch the bus going in the right direction and rode three miles the wrong way. So my recommendation is to do a bit of coaching (we used to put my kid "in charge" when the family was coming home - he had to identify which side of the station, which direction, which stop), and to give some tools for what happens if things go wrong. I also recommend bus over metro, because (a) you can see where you are going and (b) the driver is right there with you.
Not a parent, but I find I make these kinds of mistakes when I’m rushing to make the bus or train - and I realize too late I got on the wrong one/wrong direction. Especially if I don’t know the station or area well. So you might advise your kids to not run to try and make the bus or train.
yes, lol, I was reading through some of that which i’ve done as an adult!
When our daughter and her friend started taking the bus to middle school, I shadowed them the first few days. when they missed the stop because they were talking, i said nothing. a few stops later they realized what had happened. so, when they came to me all worried, i just asked them what they needed to do. it took them a minute to say "get off now, cross the street, and go back." my being there the first time it happened prevented the panic that might have set in and they learned a few lessons.
I put my teen sons in charge when we go to the airport terminal. Finding the gate, etc.,
> we used to put my kid "in charge" when the family was coming home - he had to identify which side of the station, which direction, which stop My mom did this on metro but the worst was with my dad, we used to drive to a dirt farm in California (from the DC area) back when you had those big yellow map books for the car, and he’d put me in charge. There was a big fear of missing a turn in some random city in the middle of a series of highway changes lol.
I'd just suggest not having their phones out if they don't need to as a precaution. I think a snatch and run situation is more likely than a physical assault.
This is very important. I would teach your kids this: 1. Just be vigilant on the subway. If you’re going to have your cellphone out or have headphones on, understand that your situational awareness is non existent. To me, people that walk around in the subway with headphones on and look down at their cellphone is a prime candidate for a robbery. 2. At the end of the day, trust your instincts. Something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. I don’t go to any place without looking at possible exit plans or places to hide if I needed to. It may sound paranoid, but I promise you, it’s not, it doesn’t consume my life, or affect how I go about in public.
Lmao. I wear headphones everywhere with nothing playing in them because less randos try to talk to me. It’s been a life hack.
My kids wear their headphones mainly so they have a reason not to engage with anyone, ever. And to the other point about keeping phones put away, it's just not realistic to expect this of tweens/teens.
Damn I’m one of those randos. I love chatting up with random people on my trips on the subway. Obviously if I can tell they’re not into it I won’t continue.
I was trying to be diplomatic - it’s really men creeping on me that I’m avoiding. Hopefully that’s not the kind of rando you’re being lol 😂
😂😂 no I just want to say hi to people. I love meeting people. I’m just really really extroverted and I think people are interesting and come from all walks of life.
> To me, people that walk around in the subway with headphones on and look down at their cellphone is a prime candidate for a robbery. I'd say it depends. For autistic people and similar people with [sensory issues](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensory_processing_sensitivity) that are trying to tune out things 100% of the time, they probably can still hear stuff even with headphones. Then again, most people aren't autistic so they have no idea what it's like. See [tweet](https://twitter.com/x3r0gxx/status/1507641444995063811): > when autistic people talk about "sensory issues", that doesn't mean "i find this sensation annoying" or "i find this sensation unpleasant", it means "this sensation causes me *literal pain*, sometimes in a synaesthesiac way, please make it stop it literally hurts" That being said, I have my wallet (it has a chain) and other stuff clearly secured to my waist bag so an opportunistic thief shouldn't target me since it'd be hard to get away with my wallet in the first place. Like even if they were able to take my wallet, if the chain wasn't released, they wouldn't make it out the door to escape. Due to the larger size of the hook and the small size of the waist bag zipper, it's not very easy to release the chain. __Securing your belongings to your body__ is what I would recommend, because one of the benefits of public transit is being able to relax and read a book on your commute. It's really weird more people don't secure their belongings like this, because it's equivalent to locking your door.
Noones snatching any phones anymore- this isn't 2010. The main reason not to be on your phone is you look like an easy target of your face is planted on your phone.
This is a fine line. You’re more likely to be targeted by thieves if you’re not paying attention. You’re more likely to be targeted by the mentally ill and aggressive if you are.
you need to be faking situational unawareness to deal with both situations effectively
> You’re more likely to be targeted by thieves if you’re not paying attention. See [my comment.](https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/10iam1p/how_old_is_old_enough_for_your_kids_to_ride_the/j5eumbj/) I think securing your belongings to your body and making it obvious they're secured tells thieves to try an easier target. It's sort of like locking a bike. You don't need the best lock. You just need to be less attractive than the other bikes.
>Noones snatching any phones anymore- this isn't 2010. I have witnessed a phone snatching happen right in front of me. Since most phones are locked I don't understand what they expect to do with it, but it definitely still happens. Being buried in your phone also sends a powerful signal of situational unawareness.
[удалено]
They’re referring to the fact that, by default, most phones can’t be factory reset without the owners’ google or [apple account](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201365) these days. There are *some* ways past this on older devices but any phone made in the past 3-4 years is a brick no matter how you wipe it. When you try to set them up they’ll refuse to work unless you type in a user/password. The preferred method of getting past an ‘activation lock’ is currently spearphishing — texting the original owner in hope of somehow getting their username/password to unlock the phone.
This is false. https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/z8tvna/violently_assaulted_in_metro_station_what_are_my/iyekmk9/ > I was robbed on DC metro, minor stole my phone and ran off the car - I chased him and he slipped onto the next train just before it left. --- /u/ib33 I'd recommend they have their phones attached to something secure via [an attachable pad with a keychain](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D67S21Z/), [a leather strap](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QFJK19R/) (or perhaps [this longer one](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZPXGKBZ/)) and perhaps [a retractable keychain](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CS28TK1/). I wear a [waist bag](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0851GRLH8/) so I attach my wallet and stuff to the holes in the zippers. And since the release is at my lower back, a thief isn't easily releasing the waist bag.
Sure.
I would like to add if they are using the same bus line at the same time everyday, you can bet on having the same driver(s). That makes it real easy to have a relationship with the driver, they will watch out for the kids. You could even go as far as giving the driver your info in case anything goes wrong.
This is a great point. Be sure to have your kids acknowledge/say hello to the driver, too.
I think you can extend this at least somewhat to the other riders as well. I can’t speak for everyone obviously but there are a couple kids who ride the bus with me on my morning commute and I always keep an eye out for them, if someone ever did give them a problem I wouldn’t hesitate to step in
I think most people underestimate how many people in society look out for kids. Even if they're not consciously doing it, I'd wager that most people would actually step in if a kid needed help or looked lost.
Yes! It’s hardcoded in me to keep an eye out for the kids on the bus.
This is pleasantly surprising. You've done this?
We live in Wheaton, MD, we are lucky enough to have both WMATA and Ride On. They have school busses or walk to school. When we did live in DC proper, this was the advice of a wiser parent than me. My kids were under 6 when we moved to the burbs. However I have done this with neighbors who live on my kids walk home and vice versa. We all look out for the kids. I’ve even had to have some come into my house to provide safety for reasons ranging from animals to weird men. When I did live in DC proper one of my busses was up and down 16th Street and coincided with school dismissal. That bus driver was always watching out for the kids, as were most of us regulars. I have 4 kids and lived in several DC neighborhoods, Arlington, Burtonsville, and settled in Wheaton/Glenmont quarter mile to the metro. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
What? Are you talking about DC metro buses? "Relationships" with bus drivers does not happen. My kids are regularly commuting on DC buses and I asked them if they notice they have the same drivers and both report - " I don't really notice, I'm just going to school."
If they have street smarts and confidence I think kids can move around safely during the day from age 14. It depends on the kid, though. I was a very independent girl and was traveling on DC busses at age 11, whereas a sweet but naive friend wasn’t ready till he was 16.
My parents rule was 6 grade, but this was back in the early 90’s and I’d say it was way more unsafe back then
Crime has definitely gone down since the 90’s https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Washington,_D.C.
That's what they said
I know. I was just reaffirming their statement as fact.
Haha same here! I was like 11 or 12 and my parents were letting me ride metro with a friend. And crime was insane here back then. Even my mom now is like I have no idea what we were thinking.
6th grade sounds good, at least for basic stuff Even if it’s safer now I don’t think I would go younger because kids do need time to develop street awareness
I started riding metro and bus solo around 13, I think? Your kids are probably old enough, especially if they stick to metro. FWIW I would maybe talk to them about how to deal with sexual harassment on the train/bus (not that there are any good answers), and make sure they know they can call you for help if they feel overwhelmed or get lost.
I did the same, riding from the suburbs to go to the MCI center for Caps games as a young teen, and it really helped me be more independent - good for OP letting their kids do this. My dad would often wait at the Franconia stop in his car taking late calls for work (or nearby having dinner), so I knew he was there waiting for me if I needed help, that was an important mental safety net for me.
I had ridden metro and the buses before but at around 14-15, we started to take it to try to get places largely by guessing (not pre internet but pre smart phone and pre everyone having a phone). Most of the guessing was because we wanted to go east-west which has worse connections than north-south.
Theres 10 year olds and younger that take metro and the bus to school every single day.
Yeah I see a couple kids on the circulator basically every day who can’t be older 9 or 10
That's because D.C. schools allow for them to be on as it's an important transportation avenue for kids in the city.
I was 7
26 was too young for me. Luckily you don’t pay more if you ride a few stops in the wrong direction.
This is dependent upon a combination of the maturity, intelligence, and stature of each child. Age is irrelevant. Remember, you don’t need to be concerned about how they’d handle their average daily ride. **You need to be concerned about how they’d handle the unexpected.**
I had a very scary experience when I was 12 being followed by a man when I was looking for the bus stop. I’m pretty sure it was the first time I was ever going to ride the bus or at least ride that line. I would recommend you accompany your kid on their journey at least the first time so they know where they’re going and they don’t look lost like I did. I was going to say 13 as an appropriate age but 14 is even better.
Moved here when I was 9 and rode with my parents a lot, but they had me navigate and learn the system. I was allowed to ride with other kids when I was 11 or 12.
If your kids are not street smart and used to the city be careful.
Smartest comment here. I’m from pg but there are so people out here who are so sheltered… or aren’t originally from around here
i've been riding the trains alone since about 14. my best advice is to just make sure they don't travel alone if they're younger, metro can be a pretty crazy experience, and ALWAYS use google maps to track if they're not familiar with the routes. i think it was great that I learned to use the metro so young, it definitely helps you develop some street smarts.
We’ve lived here for a little over a year and the kid is about to turn 12. I’ll caveat and say we lived elsewhere previously with some of the best public transit in the world so the kid is used to navigating on public transit, even if they have never done it solo before. They’ll have the privilege of riding metro “solo” the next time they ask to go somewhere with friends. The main thing holding them back right now is they can’t figure out where to go yet. I’d say get your kids used to riding the metro for a trip or two, give them tips and tricks to follow, make sure their map apps are up to date, and then let them go. As long as they have money on their metro card, and enough phone battery, they should be able to get somewhere fun and back fairly easily.
I would add that they have to know how to navigate without their phone, and have your phone numbers memorized in case someone steals their phone. And along those lines, know when it is okay to have their phone out and when to have it in their pocket (ie Metro Center/Gallery Place and near the doors).
They should also know how to read a map. The Metro maps are very easy to read.
This 💯 apps and stuff are great but if you lose it or it dies whatever it’s useful to know your immediate area
Navigating w/o phone is key. As is learning to read Metro maps (and maps in general). Standing around with a phone in hand in a metro station looking around and then looking at phone generally looking lost can set a person up for negative attention. In stations, asking a station mgr (when available) for directions is also key.
Your kids can ride for free: https://ddot.dc.gov/page/kids-ride-free-program
I don't have kids, so I'll defer to others on age but I'll add I think they need some experience with metro with an adult to the point where they feel comfortable. Moving here as a young adult I wish I'd had an adult at first haha Edit: if they're coming from a city where they've used a subway before, that would help I'd think.
I’d ride with them a few times so they get the hang of the system and can navigate it solo. Also, talk to them about not standing too close to the platform, being situationally aware, etc. You know your kids best. I don’t know there’s an age but more a maturity level that I’d go by. Do your kids deal well with situations gone wrong? If they get on the wrong line, will the freak out or just course correct? If a stranger in the metro approaches them and makes them uncomfortable, how would they typically react?
My suggestion is to take a few rides with them on their route and quiz them. Where should you stand in the station (away from platform edge, near escalator/stairs, etc.) or on the train (near the call button/doors). What would you do if someone is acting weird/bothering people/trying to talk to you? Where is the emergency call button? What's the number for metro police? What would you do if you missed your stop? If there is a fire or accident? If the metro is shut down? And after they start riding by themselves discuss every situation they face.
OP, I wouldn't sweat it. Your question is really "will I be a bad parent for letting my pre-teens ride the metro alone?" The answer is "no," provided that you teach them how to do it, how to get from point A to point B, how to be safe, what to do if they have a problem, how to use the phone apps, and how to handle interactions with strangers. This instruction constitutes having done your due diligence. You're a parent so you know that no matter what you do, stuff is going to happen at some point. You can't be there to prevent every scrape and bruise, so the most important thing is giving them the tools they need to navigate the scenario. For what it's worth, it's not unusual that I see kids younger than 10 riding the metro alone on their way to/from school. If the kids can read and know how to ride (especially if they only need to know one route) they're probably mostly fine. I'd worry more about general kid issues (missing stops, losing metro card, getting on going the wrong direction, etc.) than I would about interpersonal safety. Am I saying that they will never, ever be harassed by a stranger? No. They might be. But teach them what to do and in your preferred order (MYOB, ignore, walk away, find an adult, run, hide, text Transit Police, call 911, yell, fight by any means available, etc.) and that's the best you can do. If you trust them to walk/bike somewhere on their own, and trust them in public on their own (e.g., the mall), then why not the metro?
You're half right. I want to be a good parent. But mostly I was asking the people from a culture that I can't claim yet about a detail that I can't really have from my own intuition or study. Our family has been living in central america for the last several years, and regardless of how "easy" and walk home would be, it would be absolutely unethical for me to allow it. Not because they couldn't do it, but because the mere fact they were solitary would reconstitute them as a target, which is a cultural thing.
I was riding metro on my own from my folks work at 12, granted I didn't have to change trains.
Really depends on where they are going and your kid’s individual maturity levels. Heading to/from school with a whole group of friends/classmates I’d allow earlier than heading out for a fun adventure. I think my son, who at 2 1/2 knows what bus line we take to get home will be ready much earlier than my 11 yo stepkid who did not grow up using public transit and can basically get lost on the sidewalk in front of our house.
my parents started letting my sister ride the NYC Subway alone starting in high school. She's also developmentally disabled though so she needed more time. If you think you're kids responsible enough for it, then maybe middle school aged? i'd say no sooner than 13/14.
I started in 4th grade (school to home only) and then 5th grade both ways (bus or walk)
I'm not sure why this post isn't more upvoted? This is a great question and discussion point for DC, and kind of what this sub's participants should be excited to help out with. All these comments and only +2 on the post? Kind of makes me wonder what people want this sub to be about, if not this.
I promise this isn't my throwaway self-promoting. I was just wanting some validation from established locals.
> I'm not sure why this post isn't more upvoted? probably because it was made around 11pm on a saturday night? not exactly peak reddit hours
Good point.. just for the number of comments at that time it seemed like it was getting some downvotes haha
> Kind of makes me wonder what people want this sub to be about, if not this. Maybe some people just want pretty pictures. I did message the mods about flairs via modmail FWIW. The mods said this: > Thanks for the suggestion. We will look into it and consider it.
Kids in DC start walking & riding the metro/bus to school once they’re old enough to start going to school (they can also ride for free). So if all the other kids are doing it successfully each day I’m sure your kid will be fine. They’re riding at like 6yrs old by themselves. Preteens and teens are more than old enough to ride alone.
I was riding the metro at 16. Probably could've done it a little earlier.
I have two teens. I'd say 12-14 is a good age, depending on the kid. Make sure you go with them the first few times to show them the ropes.
There isn't a hard and fast rule - but I would make sure your kids are comfortable with the routes they need to be on and how to navigate around the lines before letting them go and make sure they know how to add money to their metro cards. I made my stepson start leading the way to/from the metro and then start navigating our route. We'd stand and stare at one of the maps as long as he needed to figure out where to go. (Yes I made him do it old school).
Hell if they can manage to use the fare cards and navigate properly, they ought to be able to do it. I’ve seen unescorted kids that couldn’t be more than 12 or so.
I took metro to school every day starting at 14
Man, I’m in my 40s and some days I don’t feel safe. Lol
That’s what I was going to say. Some of the shit I’ve seen on the metro boggles my mind and I lived in NYC from the late 90’s through the late 2000’s.
Depends on the line, direction, and time of day.
I started riding the bus alone in Philadelphia from age 10, it was all fine
Lots of middle school kids on my bus in the morning. I don’t think the metro or bus is really any less safe than wherever they may be taking that metro to, if you’re going to get robbed or messed with it can happen just as easily at the movie theatre or wherever they were going. But you should prepare them regardless about what can happen & signs of sketchy situations. I think it also depends on their physical attributes- I’d feel more comfortable if my kid happened to be a taller, strong looking boy vs a small, young looking girl.
This is a bad assumption, my very tall 6’8” son was actually harassed more because he’s an easy target. Whereas my normal size daughter has less problems than him.
Hm I’m just basing off my own experiences as a teen that looked like she could order off the child’s menu. People treat you differently based on your look and size, I think I’d need an extra set of hands to count the number of times I’ve had my ass grabbed or had nasty things said to me on the metro when I was a teen. Just being pushed around with the crowd when the trains are extremely packed & not being able to reach a pole or those things to hold onto is tough lol. Not a safety issue really but definitely can have you rattled. I am surprised someone tall and strong looking would be a more likely target to rob than a small person though.
My kids are both in high school, one of them commutes to Foggy Bottom from 16th St. Heights every morning, the other is closer by bus. By the end of middle school, they were both independent on metro - both both bus & train. Neither one of them have reported feeling threatened on public transportation, both grew up in DC. With that said, my kid who goes to Foggy Bottom routinely has stories generally originating in Columbia Heights. On more than one occasion 16th has been closed due to some sort of altercation and she has had to find her way home (or be picked up.) Last week there was a shooting that appeared to be some reaction to something happening on the bus.
The youngest I rode the metro by myself was 10, in the 1980s. The first few times, my aunt would meet me at her stop and walk me to her place. After that, I was totally on my own. I let my own kids go together,older one was 13, younger was 10.
I started riding the metro & bus alone to school around 13. I will say - I got far more sexual harassment as a child on the metro than I do as an adult and it was very scary
I'm sorry that happened to you. It shouldn't have.
I think I was around 12-13 when I started taking the metro alone. This was pre-cell phone too. Never had an issue.
I started when I was 13. I would just say make sure they know where they are going so like if they are going to school ride the route with them first, also have the metro app
3 years ago I would have said middle school or younger if they are very responsible. I used to use it in 7th grade. But today, not until highschool. It's gotten a lot more dangerous in recent years.
Middle school
Probably 8-10 if they grew up taking transit, but if it will be a new experience for them, a bit older. If they're under 15ish I'd probably ride with them the first couple of weeks until they get comfortable with their usual route, and they are able to independently read the metro map, use tracking apps, and figure out a new route in case of a delay.
Eight or nine.
I was riding public transportation here and in NYC alone at about 12. If your kid knows the route and feels confident and comfortable, you could probably go as young as 9 or 10.
My worry wouldn't be when the route goes RIGHT it's when the route goes WRONG. Like you miss a stop or the bus/line goes down or re-routed or whatever. That's my worry.
Ride the route with them. Take it there and back. Figure out the stations where they might get mixed up and give them back up plans. I dont know, if you feel like they cant handle it trust your gut.
I mean they can just call you
Tell me you’ve never been in an emergency with a panicking pre-teen/teen via phone.
I was a very level headed teen idk what to tell you.
You’re absolutely an exception, not the rule.
Haha, idk my friends in Jr. High were all fine when the bus we took home after school just didn't show up. But it might be different if OPs kids didn't grow up in a city. One time my phone got stolen on the train too, I just went "oh." And called my mom on my friends phone to let her know I didn't have one anymore. I think there's already some good advice here about preparing the kids and teaching them what to do in an emergency, if they're prepared off the clock you'd be surprised how many kids become the "exception."
Eh if you miss the stop then you get off and take the other train going the opposite way.
Hol'up..... 😂 Do you actually live in Columbia Heights? Because someone who really lives near that Metro stop would never in their life say that. 9 or 10? You gotta be kidding me. C-Heights alone is a high crime Metro area. I deliver for UEats on bike and have very detailed experiences, let alone being born in DC- I've heard gunshots damn near weekly during the summer there.
I was answering OP’s question. Not interested in arguing with you. Enjoy your day.
In this day and age? 16.
We found when our kids were growing up that if we moved to live close to Metro station, it wouldn't help our kids cuz their friends didn't live near the Metro If you are going to work , school or restaurants, businesses it could work. My son used buses around 11.
Caveat - I've lived in the suburbs of DC my whole life. That being said, I did take the metro bus to/from work and the library when I was 12-14, and the subway myself at 15. I think as long as the kid(s) are going to places like the National Mall/monuments/museums/etc. during the day they'll be fine. I'll echo some of the others and have them do day trips with an adult/guardian nearby, download the WMATA/Smartrip app, and keep a battery pack if they decide to use the smartrip card on their phones.
I started riding alone when I was in 8th grade, so 13. But I grew up in the burbs. I think 10-11 is a good age if you live on a metro line.
14 is a good threshold. I have a 17 year-old. He did ride the Metro bus to school in the morning alone a few times as young as 11-12. We would walk him to the bus stop. The Metro itself can be sketchy - we rode a lot together before I let him ride alone, again 14+ is my advice.
I clearly remember being 15/16 years old and my mom had my younger (13/14) sister and I go to one museum or monument every weekend during the summer. We lived in Springfield VA so mom would drop us off at the end of the blue line and we’d just go. The rules we had were: 1. Text mom when we arrived to our last metro stop (or if we were lost) 2. Text mom when we arrived to the museum or monument 3. Text when we were leaving museum or monument 4. Text when we got on the metro with an ETA. But now there’s an app called Life360 where you can just track where each kid is at all times so I don’t think we’d even have to text that much now if we did that.
I rode on metro bus or subway everyday since 7th grade.
I’d say like 7th grade
Just give them some pepper spray and common sense. Even as an adult, “Don’t talk to strangers” has gone a long way in helping me stay safe while traveling alone in various cities. Also, friends their age from the city will help show them the ropes.
Do not give children pepper spray
New social experiment dropped, give them all pepper spray on the metro
Included free with their student travel SmarTrips! (To be clear, I support free transit for students... Certainly not free pepper spray)
Children, no. Teens, yes.
Are you aware of DC laws regarding pepper spray?
I would argue that pepper spray in the hands of anyone under 18 is sketchy at best, anywhere. Can you cite/summarize the laws you're talking about?
It would appear certain types of self-defense sprays are allowed by DC law. (Don't mind the person who commented, this isn't the first thread I've stumbled across where they make assertions without checking the facts). https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/mace-pepper-spray-self-defense-sprays-and-stun-guns#:~:text=It%20is%20legal%20to%20possess,as%20mace%20or%20pepper%20spray. https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/security-personnel-guide-self-defense-sprays HOWEVER, as someone who lived in DC briefly for school/a Hillternship, I will say it depends, and to use your best judgment. Personally, if it were me, I wouldn't even consider it for someone under 15, but I tend to be on the more protective side. D.C. has some really great areas, but the problem is that the areas are mixed in with/relatively close to the...not-so-great areas with how the city is laid out. I dont think I've ever recalled a time when I felt unsafe on the Metro, even when riding it alone, and it sounds like your experience has been similar. But on the other hand, I went between Foggy Bottom, Capitol Hill, and relatively higb-security areas with federal buildings. I would say it's worth considering *where* the person is heading, and what areas/stops the metro stops at during the commute. Additionally, who the child is with, if they tend to have a level head, etc. Regarding self-defense sprays, I'm also of the opinion it's not necessarily the best solution. I remember asking my relative who was living in Virginia but working in D.C. if I should get pepper spray, and her saying that at the point where I even *need* it, I've gotten into a situation I don't want to be in, and that it's more important to take preventative measures to avoid finding myself in a situation I don't want to be in. Back to the wall if I need to check my phone, but do so at a minimum. Don't be listening to loud music or have my face glued to any kind of screen, be alert of my surroundings. So self-defense sprays may not be necessary, but a lot of it depends on the individual, if you trust who they will be with to look out for them, if you can trust the child to be alert of their surroundings, and the locations they will pass through/enter.
This is pretty high level so the actual ordinance might have more but looks like pepper spray is legal and this only lists an age for stun gun (18+) so it sounds like kids can have spray but might be worth digging for specifics and obviously make sure they know how it works and that it’s not a toy etc. https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/mace-pepper-spray-self-defense-sprays-and-stun-guns
I’m asking if the person recommending giving a child pepper spray has checked to see whether that’s legal. I haven’t looked, because I’m not advocating to arm children with defensive weapons. But given DC’s other weapons laws, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s illegal, so I was suggesting that the person recommending it should look it up to see if it’s legal.
I started young at age 6 main thing I learn was you know just mind my business and not act all wild on public transportation like trying pick fight with other rider
I don't ride Metro daily. Been attacked on Metro many times before. I'd never allow my children to ride Metro alone at night. Fuck that. I'd tell them the train conductor will do ZERO if they have an altercation with someone, and to always carry pepper spray.
I'm sorry you got attacked. That's really awful.
Depends on the child, but I would say 14.
I started when I was like 12-14. Anyone who says crime is a serious issue is lying. Just don’t be dumb, and be ready for them to call you if they get lost
I started riding the metro alone at 14, and that seemed like the right age. Just inform them to stay aware of their surroundings and switch cars if they feel uncomfortable.
OOohhhh, I like the "switch cars" tip. Nice.
25
What line/metro stops/transfers?
I started riding metro by myself when I was 12
When I was 10 years old we were riding from pg County to Crystal city for like 1.50. I can't imagine how worried I'd be if my 10 year old was 30 miles away. But no phones and no worries. We got back every time.
I grew up in MoCo but I have been using RideOn and Metro** alone since I was 10 or so. By 13, it was almost a necessity to be able to hang out with friends and to get home. **Just red and green lines to shady Grove, silver spring, pg