America isn't universally dangerous, but it is very diverse. Where I am (Western Pennsylvania) there are kids outside running around all the time (maybe less now that it's very cold out). It just depends where in the country you are.

This might interest you:

No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda McGurk

I read this book in school and it's about this difference between Europe / Scandinavia and a rural part of Indiana

I'm not saying kids don't play outside, just that the violence is why some parents fear it. I agree the internet makes this fear worse but frankly, EVEN ONE CRIME is scary enough if you ask me

A 26 year old girl was set on fire in Chicago public transportation. It's really unforgiveable to me when people then say I'm "fearmongering"

Yes, I fear being attacked on public transport!