It's really weird to read this presented as something that is a 'stark difference' to some.

I read that and go like "well, yeah, duh", which probably means it hasn't changed all that much in the 30 or so years since I left groep twee.

Of course, a lot of the not being worried about kids being out by themselves has to do with the fact they can generally ride their bikes anywhere without having to be worried about cars coming anywhere close to them.